Tejashwi Yadav Challenges NDA’s Jeevika Didi Scheme, Promises Permanent Jobs and Rs 30,000 Monthly Salary

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday launched a direct attack on the ruling NDA government over its handling of the Jeevika CM (Community Mobilisers) scheme. Addressing a press conference, Yadav announced sweeping reforms and financial benefits for women associated with the Jeevika self-help groups if the RJD forms the next government in Bihar.

“You all know that this government has treated Jeevika Didis unfairly. We have decided to give all Jeevika CM Didis permanent status and designate them as government employees. Their monthly income will be increased to Rs 30,000,” Yadav said, calling the move a response to a long-standing demand from the women workforce.

The RJD leader further declared that his government would waive interest on existing loans of Jeevika Didis and provide interest-free credit for two years. He also pledged to offer an additional Rs 2,000 monthly allowance and insurance coverage worth Rs 5 lakh to every Jeevika Didi.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Promises for Jeevika Didis

RJD Pledges Permanent Jobs for Contract Workers

In another major announcement, Tejashwi Yadav promised to make all contract workers in Bihar permanent government employees if his party is voted to power. “The contractual workers are being financially, psychologically, and physically exploited by various organizations. Once we form the government, we will end this exploitation,” he said.

Yadav claimed that contract workers face unfair deductions and poor working conditions. “Their services are terminated without reason, 18 percent GST is deducted from their salaries every month, and female employees don’t get two days of leave. We will change all of this,” he asserted.

Reiterating his earlier election commitment, Yadav said the RJD government would ensure one government job per household within 20 months of coming to power. “Within 20 days of forming the government, we’ll introduce a new law to guarantee this promise,” he added.

Understanding Bihar’s Jeevika Didi Scheme

The Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP), locally known as Jeevika, is a flagship program launched with support from the World Bank to empower women in rural communities through self-help groups (SHGs). The initiative aims to improve social and economic conditions among the rural poor by encouraging micro-entrepreneurship, skill development, and community mobilization.

Women associated with the initiative, known as Jeevika Didis, play a pivotal role in community-level development by managing SHGs and promoting financial independence among rural households. The program has reached millions of women across Bihar but has often faced criticism over low pay, temporary status, and delayed payments.

Political Context and Impact

Tejashwi Yadav’s new promises directly target the NDA government’s flagship women empowerment scheme, positioning the RJD as the champion of Bihar’s grassroots workforce ahead of the upcoming 2025 Assembly Elections. The move is seen as part of his broader effort to consolidate women voters and the rural working class under the RJD banner.

By focusing on economic empowerment and employment security, Yadav’s announcements could redefine the political conversation in Bihar, where job creation and labor rights remain key electoral issues.

Conclusion

Tejashwi Yadav’s latest poll pledges – from raising Jeevika Didis’ salaries to regularizing contract workers – reflect a populist yet reform-oriented strategy aimed at transforming Bihar’s workforce landscape. As election season nears, these promises are expected to intensify the political battle between the RJD and the ruling NDA over who can better deliver social justice and economic security in the state.