Patna, June 25, 2025: In a major welfare push ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Bihar government on Tuesday rolled out a slew of new initiatives aimed at rural development, social welfare, and women’s empowerment. From constructing wedding halls in every gram panchayat to launching subsidised canteens and expanding financial assistance for women entrepreneurs, the announcements mark a significant attempt by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration to appeal to the state’s vast rural and economically weaker population.
The decisions were made during a high-level Cabinet meeting and reflect a strong pre-poll pitch from the ruling alliance to improve public welfare infrastructure and boost livelihoods.
Massive Investment in Rural Wedding Halls
One of the headline decisions is the launch of Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Mandap Yojana, under which community wedding halls will be constructed in all 8,053 gram panchayats of Bihar. Each venue will cost ₹50 lakh, bringing the total projected expenditure to ₹4,026 crore over five years.
The move is expected to benefit low-income families, especially those unable to afford marriage venues. It also seeks to uphold dignity and accessibility during social ceremonies in rural communities.
Subsidised Meals at ₹20: ‘Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi’
In a welcome initiative for daily wage earners and government workers, the Cabinet approved the launch of “Jeevika Didi Ki Rasoi” across all block-level offices and government establishments such as sub-divisions, district offices, medical colleges, and hospitals.
The Rasoi (kitchen), to be managed by women from the Jeevika self-help groups, will serve nutritious meals at a subsidised rate of ₹20 per plate. The scheme is not only aimed at providing affordable food but also empowering rural women through employment and entrepreneurship.
₹2 Lakh Support for Women Entrepreneurs from Poor Families
In another gender-focused welfare measure, the Cabinet cleared the formation of a high-powered committee, led by the Development Commissioner, to set eligibility criteria and mechanisms for disbursing ₹2 lakh in financial aid to aspiring women entrepreneurs from 94 lakh poor families in Bihar.
This scheme could potentially transform livelihoods by facilitating small businesses, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas.
Boost in Credit Support to Jeevika Groups
Recognising the growing role of women’s self-help groups in economic development, the Cabinet approved the increase of loan limits for Jeevika groups from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with the state government bearing any interest exceeding 7%.
This move is aimed at easing access to working capital for small-scale businesses run by women and enhancing their capacity to generate sustainable income.
Social Security Pension Raised to ₹1,100
A week after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the hike in social security pensions, the Cabinet formally approved the increase in monthly payouts from ₹400 to ₹1,100. This will benefit 1.11 crore people, including senior citizens, widows, and the differently-abled, providing much-needed financial relief in times of rising costs.
MGNREGA Cap Raised for Gram Panchayats
To bolster rural employment and development, the Cabinet raised the limit on works that gram panchayats can undertake under MGNREGA from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. This will enhance flexibility at the grassroots level and enable local bodies to take on larger and more impactful infrastructure projects.
Ex-Gratia for Panchayat Members
In a gesture of respect toward elected grassroots representatives, the government also approved a ₹5 lakh ex gratia payment to the next of kin of any Panchayat Raj representative who dies while in office. This covers members across the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and acknowledges their role in governance and development.
Election-Season Optics or Genuine Welfare?
With the Bihar Assembly polls on the horizon, these sweeping measures carry undeniable electoral significance. Nitish Kumar, who has led the state for over two decades across multiple terms, is facing both anti-incumbency and challenges from opposition parties looking to capitalise on unemployment and migration concerns.
However, the recent Cabinet decisions—especially those focusing on women’s empowerment, food security, and rural infrastructure—may resonate strongly with key voter groups if implemented effectively.
