Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited today at 12:30 PM via video conferencing. On the occasion, he will also transfer ₹105 crore into the institution’s bank account to mark its formal commencement.
The cooperative society has been established to provide easy access to funds at affordable interest rates for women associated with Jeevika. All registered cluster-level federations of Jeevika will be members of the Society. Both the Bihar government and the central government will contribute to its funding.
Over the years, women linked to Jeevika’s self-help groups have emerged as entrepreneurs, setting up small enterprises and producer companies across rural Bihar. However, many have relied on microfinance institutions (MFIs) that charge steep interest rates ranging between 18% and 24%. The new Jeevika Nidhi aims to offer an alternative financial system, ensuring larger loans at lower interest rates and reducing dependence on MFIs.
The entire system will function through a digital platform to enable faster and transparent transactions. To support this, 12,000 community cadres are being equipped with tablets to assist Jeevika Didis in accessing financial services.
The initiative is expected to strengthen rural women’s entrepreneurship, boost community-led enterprises, and further promote financial inclusion.