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Patna: In a significant move, the Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has given the nod to the “Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana” (Bihar Small Entrepreneur Scheme). The scheme, spanning five years, plans to provide financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each to over 9.4 million families identified as economically poor in the recent caste and economic survey in the state. The initiative aims to foster self-employment opportunities and industrial ventures.
The Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana targets families with a monthly income below ₹6,000, extending support to at least one member from each identified family.
Beneficiaries will receive the financial grant in three instalments, facilitating the establishment and operation of small industrial or processing units across 63 categories, including handicrafts, textiles, salons, eateries, and more.
The initiative seeks to create job opportunities and uplift economic conditions for the identified families.
The scheme will be administered by the state industries department.
Online applications, accompanied by proof of family income, will be required for availing benefits.
A computerized randomization process and budgetary allocations will determine the selection of beneficiaries.
A state-level project monitoring and implementation committee, led by the executive head of the industries department, will oversee the scheme’s execution.
District magistrates will play a pivotal role in managing the implementation at the district level.
The cabinet also greenlighted an expansion of financial aid for students from economically backward classes (EBC) preparing for various recruitment exams.
EBC students gearing up for exams such as Indian Engineering Service, Indian Economic Service, Combined Geo-Scientists, and others will now receive one-time financial grants ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹30,000.
The estimated annual expenditure for this expanded financial aid initiative is ₹9.79 crore.
This multi-faceted approach by the Bihar government aims to empower economically disadvantaged families through entrepreneurship and extend support to students pursuing diverse career paths.
