Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, Oct 24: Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has gained significant support among women voters, largely due to the ‘Mahila Rozgar Scheme’.

A survey by Ascendia Strategies found that 85% of respondents are aware of the scheme, which provides an initial grant of Rs 10,000 to women to start small businesses. Of these, 94% have applied, and 61% have received the cash transfer. The scheme also allows for additional financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh for ventures in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, and animal husbandry.

In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred the initial grants to 75 lakh women across Bihar, totaling Rs 7,500 crore. The survey shows that 42% of respondents credit Nitish Kumar for the scheme, 17% credit Modi, and 22% acknowledge both leaders. About 58% of beneficiaries have used the money to launch a business.

In terms of electoral preference, 45% of women surveyed favour the NDA, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, received 40%, and the Jan Suraaj Party founded by Prashant Kishore garnered 5%.

Inflation emerged as a key concern for 25% of respondents, followed by children’s education and employment prospects at 21%. Better public infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity ranked important for 13%, and women’s safety for 9%.

The survey, conducted between Oct 15-22, included around 4,000 participants with an 80:20 rural-urban distribution.