PATNA, Nov 9 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responded to the Opposition’s jibe about his health with an energetic election marathon — holding 84 public meetings, 11 by road and 73 by air, covering 1,000 km by road and engaging directly with the people.
On Sunday, the last day of campaigning for the second and final phase of polling, Nitish Kumar addressed large public gatherings at Nabinagar (Aurangabad), Vikramganj (Rohtas), and Hata in Chainpur, urging people not to vote for the RJD-led INDIA bloc, saying they had done nothing for the people of Bihar.
Addressing the crowd, he elaborated on the achievements of the NDA government and reaffirmed his commitment to Bihar’s all-round development, calling on people to re-elect a strong NDA government to maintain the pace of progress.
Nitish Kumar said, “The NDA is fully committed to the holistic development of Bihar. The state has reached new heights of progress. Bihar will once again reaffirm this trust and form a strong NDA government.”
Women’s empowerment remained the core theme of his speeches at every election rally. Elaborating on his government’s efforts for the cause, the Chief Minister said, “In 2006, we took a loan from the World Bank to form self-help groups under the Jeevika programme. Today, there are nearly 11 lakh such groups in the state, through which 1.4 crore Jeevika Didis have become self-reliant.”
He also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana (Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme), under which one woman from every family in the state is given Rs10,000 to start a small business.
He said, “I am happy to share that within one and a half months, Rs10,000 each has been transferred into the bank accounts of 1.51 crore women. This amount will never be taken back. Moreover, women who establish successful businesses will be eligible for additional assistance of up to Rs2 lakh.”
The Chief Minister also recalled the government’s long-standing focus on women’s education and empowerment since the formation of the new administration on November 24, 2005.
Highlighting measures to ensure women’s representation, Kumar said that since 2013, 35% reservation for women has been implemented in police recruitment, and since 2016, the same 35% quota applies to all government jobs in the state.
Additionally, 50% reservation is provided for women in primary teacher appointments, and 33% reservation for girls in engineering and medical college admissions. These steps, he said, have significantly increased women’s participation across government sectors.
Nitish Kumar noted that Bihar was the first state to introduce 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions in 2006 and in urban local bodies in 2007.
“This has brought about a major social transformation. Women who earlier remained confined to their homes are now actively participating in governance. It is a truly significant and effective social change,” he said.
9UNI)
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