Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday announced a significant electoral promise aimed at women associated with the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS), popularly known as ‘Jeevika Didis’.
If the RJD-led alliance is voted to power, Yadav pledged to grant these women the status of permanent government employees and ensure they receive a fixed monthly salary of ₹30,000.
“We will fulfill every promise we are making, no matter the cost,” Yadav stated, while addressing the reported plight of the workers. “The extent of exploitation faced by Jeevika Didis cannot even be described.”
Yadav mentioned that the decision was made after a thorough review of the working conditions and listening directly to the grievances of the Jeevika Didis, who are crucial in implementing rural development and self-help group schemes across the state.
The promise targets a large cohort of women who are currently employed on a contractual or incentive-based model, with fixed pay for roles like ‘Community Coordinator’ currently hovering around ₹15,990 per month (excluding allowances) according to available data. Yadav’s commitment to a permanent status and a ₹30,000 salary marks a considerable increase and a significant shift in employment security for these frontline workers.
The announcement comes amidst the political season in Bihar, where job creation and permanent employment for contractual workers remain key electoral issues. The RJD leader’s move is seen as a strategic pitch to a massive female workforce that plays a pivotal role in the state’s rural economy.