Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s belief that women will drive India’s economic growth. She spoke at a credit outreach event in Darbhanga, Bihar, where banks distributed loans worth Rs 1,388 crore to 49,137 recipients. Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary were among the attendees.

Sitharaman mentioned that PM Modi’s perspective on the Union budget has evolved. Initially, he wanted it to focus on women, but now he envisions women in leadership roles. The finance minister is on a two-day visit to Bihar, a region known for makhana and Madhubani paintings, both attributed to women’s efforts.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

The finance minister discussed initiatives like Drone Didi and financial support for women entrepreneurs through self-help groups. These efforts aim to enhance skills and empower women economically. Standing in Darbhanga, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, Sitharaman expressed confidence that women’s contributions will propel India’s economy from fifth to third place globally within 18 months.

During the event, Sitharaman distributed five copies each of the Constitution translated into Maithili and Sanskrit. The Maithili version was released earlier in the week, earning gratitude from Bihar’s ruling NDA government. She also received a garland made of makhanas as a token of appreciation.

Regional Rural Banks Review

Earlier in Patna, Sitharaman chaired a review meeting of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Union Finance Secretary M Nagaraju and senior officials from these states attended the meeting along with representatives from NABARD and SIDBI.

At the meeting, Sitharaman urged RRBs to boost credit distribution under central schemes like MUDRA and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. These initiatives aim to enhance financial inclusion and support small businesses across the region.

Sitharaman’s Bihar visit concludes on Saturday with her participation in events in Madhubani district. Her tour underscores the government’s focus on empowering women and strengthening regional economies through targeted financial initiatives.