By Vishwapati
Patna: On the occasion of International Women’s Day on Saturday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar once again emphasised his focus on securing women’s votes. The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] government has already implemented 35% reservation for women, and the liquor ban law has further fostered a sense of satisfaction among women. Despite the illegal sale of alcohol, women recognise that the government’s prohibition aims to encourage men to prioritise their families. These two initiatives are expected to form the cornerstone of the party’s campaign to garner women’s support in the upcoming elections.
The Chief Minister attended a special event organised at the JD(U) office, where he greeted the women present and discussed the state’s efforts to uplift women. He urged women to continue supporting the JD(U)-BJP government, highlighting the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Women Give a Warm Welcome to the Chief Minister
Upon his arrival at the event, the Chief Minister was enthusiastically welcomed by women. Amid chants of “Two thousand twenty-five, Nitish again,” he reiterated his dedication to women’s empowerment. He stated that his government has taken significant steps to empower women, making them feel self-reliant and secure in Bihar.
Government’s Initiatives for Women’s Development
In his address, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar outlined his government’s continuous efforts to promote women’s progress. He remarked, “There is no need to elaborate on what we have done for women. Today, women in Bihar are excelling in every field.” He highlighted the ‘Jeevika Didi’ initiative, which aims to make women self-reliant in every village. The Chief Minister also proudly noted that Bihar has the highest number of women police personnel, who play a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the state.
Benefits of Reservation for Women
The CM Nitish Kumar emphasised his government’s priority on women’s development, citing the 35% reservation for women in government jobs. Additionally, women have been granted 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Corporation elections. He asserted that these measures have enabled women in Bihar to contribute confidently to the state’s progress.
Reflecting on the past, the Chief Minister noted that before 2005, little was done for women’s welfare. However, his government has made significant strides in improving education, employment, and security for women.
A Safer Environment for Women in Bihar
CM Nitish Kumar highlighted the transformative impact of his government’s efforts on Bihar’s social environment. He stated, “Earlier, women were afraid to step out of their homes in the evening. Today, women in Bihar can move freely on the streets even late at night.” He credited the improved law and order situation for making women feel safer and encouraged them to play a pivotal role in societal development.
Addressing JD(U) Mahila Prakoshth president Bharti Mehta, he urged her to take a leading role in advancing women’s causes. The Chief Minister’s speech underscored the Bihar government’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, with a focus on education, security, and employment. The NDA government will seek women’s votes in the upcoming elections based on its 15-year record of work for their upliftment.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
