Opposition Demands Accountability for ₹10,000 Women’s Employment Scheme; Government Given Deadline This Month

Patna: During the fourth day of the Bihar Assembly’s winter session, opposition members raised questions regarding the Women’s Employment Scheme. MLA Kumar Sarvjeet from Bodhgaya demanded an account of the ₹10,000 provided to women under the scheme, asking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to present a detailed report on its utilization and the development achieved by the beneficiaries in the upcoming budget session.

Kumar Sarvjeet began by extending greetings to the Speaker, noting the historic appointment of a backward community member as the Assembly Speaker after 56 years. He recalled his own experiences across four terms as an MLA and highlighted the uniqueness of this election period, observing unprecedented voter engagement from other states and congratulating the Chief Minister for the mandate received.

Opposition’s Critique of CM Nitish Kumar
The Bodhgaya MLA also took a subtle dig at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, pointing out inconsistencies in his public statements. Sarvjeet said that while the CM criticizes the BJP for allegedly undermining the Constitution in one context, he endorses similar actions elsewhere, leaving citizens uncertain about which stance to follow.

Accounting for Women’s Employment Scheme
Kumar Sarvjeet emphasized that while the ₹10,000 initiative to empower women is commendable, it is crucial to track its effectiveness. He urged the Chief Minister to present, during the February session, a detailed account showing how many women benefited, how the funds were utilized, and the tangible outcomes achieved. This request reflects the Assembly members’ and public’s interest in ensuring the money is used appropriately for women’s empowerment.

Questions on Voter List Accuracy
The MLA also raised concerns about the deletion of 4.7 million names from the voter list in Bihar, addressing claims of ineligible voters. He highlighted that despite accusations of the presence of foreign nationals, investigations found none, urging the government to continue focusing on development while maintaining electoral integrity.

Opposition Leadership Absence
It was noted that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition leader, was absent during the session. As a result, Kumar Sarvjeet was given 12 minutes to address the Assembly on behalf of the opposition, during which he pressed the Bihar government for clarity on the progress and utilization of the Women’s Employment Scheme funds.