Wed Dec 17 19:31:30 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Bihar government mistakenly transferred funds from the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, to some male residents of Darbhanga’s Jale block. After receiving notices to return the ₹10,000, some men claim to have already spent the money, often on festive celebrations or daily needs. They express resentment, feeling misled by pre-election promises and suggesting the government should return their votes before demanding the money back. The opposition RJD has accused the NDA government of using the scheme to buy votes, while the State Rural Development Department has launched a probe into the matter.
News Article:
Bihar Government Demands Money Back From Men Mistakenly Credited With Women’s Empowerment Funds
Patna, December 18, 2025 – A controversy has erupted in Bihar after the state government sent notices to male residents of Darbhanga’s Jale block, demanding the return of ₹10,000 mistakenly deposited into their accounts under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the November Assembly elections, aims to financially empower women entrepreneurs.
Several men who received the funds are refusing to return the money, claiming it has already been spent. Some beneficiaries admitted to using the funds for festive celebrations like Chhath Puja and Deepavali, while others say they spent it on essential needs.
“The amount was transferred during the festive season. Some of it was spent on Chhath Puja festivities,” said Baliram Sahni, a beneficiary. “How can the government expect us to return the money? We are poor people and struggle to meet our daily needs,” he said. Sahni even suggested the government return his vote if it wants the money back.
The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has seized on the issue, accusing the ruling NDA government of using the scheme to “buy votes” in the recent election. The party shared a screenshot of the notice on X, highlighting the discrepancy of funds being transferred to men instead of women.
State Rural Development Department Minister Shravan Kumar has ordered a probe into the matter and directed officials to submit a detailed report. The Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society, which manages the scheme, is working to rectify the error. The government has yet to comment on how they will handle the situation with those who claim to be unable to return the funds.
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