Bihar struggles to recover Rs 10,000 wrongly given to men under women-only scheme

Bihar government officials are facing difficulties in recovering Rs 10,000 mistakenly credited to male villagers under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana , a cash-transfer scheme meant exclusively for women.

Launched on September 26, 2025 , ahead of the Assembly elections by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , the scheme aims to provide financial assistance to about 1.40 crore women entrepreneurs across the state. Under the program, each woman entrepreneur receives Rs 10,000 directly into her bank account to support income-generating activities.

Officials of Jeevika , the state-run poverty alleviation initiative implementing the scheme, said the funds were transferred to some male accounts in Ahiyari village of Darbhanga’s Jale Assembly constituency due to technical glitches. At least three men Nagendra Ram, Balram Sahni, and Ram Sagar Kumar have already spent the money, some on Chhath Puja and Diwali celebrations, while others purchased ducks and goats.

The block project director of Jeevika has issued notices asking them to return the funds. However, the recipients, many of whom are disabled or economically poor , expressed their inability to repay. “I did not apply for the amount. I spent it on festivals. Now I am being asked to return it. I request Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and officials to forgive us,” said Nagendra Ram .

Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharwan Kumar told reporters, “I have asked Jeevika officials to submit a detailed report of such transfers at the earliest. It is a matter of concern.” Jeevika functions under the Rural Development Department, which is now reviewing the system for potential errors.

The incident has raised serious questions about implementation, payment mechanisms, and oversight in government schemes. Opposition leaders, including the RJD , have alleged that the transfers reflect attempts to “buy votes” ahead of elections, accusing NDA leaders of hasty execution.

To prevent such issues in future cash-transfer schemes, experts suggest measures such as strict data verification , automated validation checks , pilot testing , multi-level approvals , real-time monitoring , and digital audit trails . Additionally, grievance redressal mechanisms and clear recovery protocols could help address mistakes without causing hardship to recipients.

This incident highlights the importance of careful planning and monitoring in welfare schemes, ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries while maintaining public trust.