In a significant announcement outlining the government's vision, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared the state's commitment to creating a staggering one crore new employment opportunities within the next five years. The announcement was made during his address to a joint session of the Bihar legislature in Patna on Wednesday, December 4, 2025.
Development Agenda Gets Public Mandate
Addressing the session convened after the NDA's return to power, Governor Khan stated that the people of Bihar had wholeheartedly embraced the development agenda. He highlighted that the recently concluded elections were peaceful, free, and fair, resulting in widespread support for the government. An unprecedented turnout, particularly among women voters, was noted as a strong indicator of public awareness and demand for progress.
The Governor provided a concrete baseline for this ambitious target, revealing that the state has already successfully generated 50 lakh jobs. Building on this foundation, the administration has now set its sights on doubling that figure, aiming for a total of one crore new employments by the end of the five-year period.
Focus on Women's Empowerment Through Employment
A cornerstone of this employment drive is the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, a scheme launched just a month before the Assembly polls were announced. Governor Khan detailed the scheme's immediate impact, noting that an initial sum of Rs 10,000 each has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of 1.56 crore women across the state.
The government assures that the benefit will soon be extended to all eligible women who have not yet received it. Beyond the financial grant, the program involves training women through self-help groups (SHGs). Women who achieve successful employment through this initiative will also be eligible for additional assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh, creating a comprehensive support system for female workforce participation.
The Jeevika Success Story and Infrastructure Push
Governor Khan cited the phenomenal growth of self-help groups as a key driver of women's empowerment. He recalled that the number of SHGs was quite low until the 'Jeevika' project, initiated with a World Bank loan in 2006, transformed the landscape. Today, the state boasts approximately 1.1 million self-help groups, encompassing a network of 14 million 'Jeevika sisters'.
Reflecting on the broader developmental journey since Nitish Kumar first became Chief Minister in 2005, the Governor stated that special attention has been consistently paid to critical sectors. Education, health, electricity, roads, and drinking water have been primary focus areas. He asserted that the state now thrives in an atmosphere of brotherhood and peace, with the maintenance of law and order being the government's top priority.
Concluding his address, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expressed gratitude towards the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "generous assistance" extended to Bihar, which he said has been instrumental in fueling the state's progress and enabling such ambitious welfare and employment targets.
