RITA DEVI SAID THAT SHE WOULD BUY CHICKEN WITH Rs. 10,000

ARA (RNI) Last Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred a total of ₹7,500 crore to the accounts of over 7.5 million women in Bihar under the Chief Minister's Women's Safety Scheme. In the same context, he also interacted with Rita Devi, a resident of Mohammadpur in the Koilwar block of Bhojpur district, via video conferencing. Rita shared her story of struggle with ETV Bharat and explained that she faced financial hardship in the early days, but today the situation has changed.

Rita from Bhojpur thanked the PM: The Prime Minister directly interacted with Rita Devi, a member of the Shiv Guru Jeevika Self Help Group. Rita Devi thanked him for the benefits provided under various central and state government schemes, including housing construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, free treatment worth ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a ration card, free 125 units of electricity, and an increase in her pension amount.

The Prime Minister praised the scheme: He said that now, through the Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme, women have a golden opportunity to become self-reliant, and there is a festive atmosphere in every village. Prime Minister Modi also praised Rita Devi's confidence and work. She said that joining Jeevika has brought her recognition. Without Jeevika, she wouldn't have had the opportunity. She would have been stuck cooking at home.

"My husband is a photographer. He earns 15 rupees for each photo. After talking to the PM and CM, it's making a difference. I've received full support from my family. I've received 10,000 rupees under the Women's Employment Scheme. I'll buy chicken with this." - Rita Devi, Jeevika Didi

Rita told the Prime Minister that after joining the self-help group 'Jeevika', she not only completed her studies but now, as a 'Drone Didi', she also provides technical assistance in farming. Rita Devi said that joining Jeevika has brought about a major change in her life. The support and encouragement she received from the group showed her the path to self-reliance through education.

"Today, I am revolutionizing agriculture by learning how to operate drones. I use drones to spray fertilizer on my fields. This is also providing me and my group with an additional source of income." - Rita Devi, Jeevika Didi

Rita Devi is pursuing an MA: After joining Jeevika in 2015, Rita Devi began her studies. She passed matriculation in 2016, and after passing her intermediate degree in 2021, she graduated in 2024, and in 2025, she will pursue an MA in Rural Development from IGNOU.

Rita Devi has become an example of self-reliance: Rita Devi, from Mohammadpur village in Koilwar block of Bhojpur district, has become an example of self-reliance. After joining the Shiv Guru Jeevika Self-Help Group in 2015, her life underwent a radical transformation.

Rita's family initially struggled financially, but with a loan of ₹25,000 from the group, she started goat rearing, poultry farming, and a small shop. In 2017, she took a loan of ₹70,000 to purchase a drone camera and began recording weddings, creating a new source of income.

"The Village's Lakhpati Didi": In 2018, she took another loan to purchase a larger camera, further expanding her business. Rita Devi now earns ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 per month. She not only educated her children but also continued her studies, graduating in 2024 and now pursuing her first year of MARD. Today, Rita Devi is known as the Lakhpati Didi of her village.

Amount in Women's Accounts: Under the program in Bhojpur district, the Prime Minister transferred the first installment of funds via DBT to the accounts of over 145,000 women. The remaining beneficiaries will receive the funds at the next program scheduled for October 3, 2025. Under the scheme, one female member of each family is being provided financial assistance for employment.

Applications are being accepted through Jeevika Mahila Gram Sangthan (Women's Village Organization). Women associated with self-help groups are directly benefiting from the scheme, while women who are not members of a group must first join a group.

Offline applications are being accepted in rural areas through the village organization, and online applications are being accepted in urban areas through the municipal corporation. Applications are completely free. Verification of applications is being done by the village organization in rural areas and by the municipal corporation in urban areas.

All eligible women, except those from families falling under the income tax bracket or those with government jobs, will benefit from this scheme. Upon approval and verification of the application, an amount of ₹10,000 will be transferred directly to the woman's account via DBT. Additionally, provision has been made for additional financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh in the future, as needed, based on employment assessments.