Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday said Bihar is the first state in the country to establish “Police Didi” force for women’s safety and to deploy women police personnel around schools, colleges and other educational institutions.Addressing women at Bapu Sabhagar after inaugurating a programme marking the 25th foundation day of Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC), Choudhary said govt would take steps to directly link one crore women with employment.A short film on the commission’s 25-year journey was screened at the event. CM also released a special postage stamp on the commission and unveiled its souvenir.He said schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana were helping women become self-reliant through stitching, poultry farming, goat rearing and other income-generating activities. Govt’s target, he said, is to bring one crore women directly into employment.Choudhary said women in Bihar were advancing rapidly, with rising economic, social and political participation reflecting the state’s changing profile. He said 50% reservation for women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies had strengthened their role in governance.To promote girls’ education, he said, incentive schemes are being run at matric, intermediate and graduation levels, while assistance is being provided to students preparing for competitive examinations. Under the Balika PhD Fellowship, govt aims to provide 1,000 girl students annually with Rs10,000 per month for higher education and research. Work is also under way to establish a university dedicated to women to expand higher education opportunities, he said.Choudhary urged the BSWC to go beyond complaint resolution and regularly advise govt on improving women’s status, ensuring coordination among women public representatives and strengthening women’s empowerment efforts.
