The Economic and Social Upliftment of Women in Bihar: Government Role of Government Schemes in Inclusive Development

The empowerment of women has become one of the pillars of inclusive and sustainable development, especially in economically and socially inferior states like Bihar. The Government of Bihar, in partnership with the Government of India, has adopted a very broad spectrum of women-focused schemes over the past 20 years to increase the degree of female involvement in education, work, business, health and government. The paper examines the role of women in economic and social empowerment in Bihar as a result of the intervention by the government in the form of Self-Help Groups(SHGs) under Jeevika, Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, Mahila Samakhya, reservation of women in Panchayat Raj Institutions, and financial inclusion programs. The study uses secondary data as well as policy reports and trend-based analysis to determine that the participation of women has increased household incomes and social indicators and enhanced grassroots governance. The paper also ends with a policy roadmap to further women-led development in Bihar.