A Vision for Development and Women Empowerment

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to embark on his 15th state-wide tour, named Pragati Yatra, starting December 23. This initiative seeks to evaluate development projects, engage with diverse segments of society, and collect insights to inform future governance. A primary emphasis of this initiative is on empowering women and strengthening their contribution to the advancement of Bihar.

Transition from Mahila Samvad to Pragati Yatra

Initially planned as the Mahila Samvad Programme — a dedicated initiative to engage with women — the scope of the event has been expanded and renamed the Pragati Yatra. This broader approach reflects the government's intent to connect with not only women but also JEEViKA Didis (members of self-help groups) and other community stakeholders. The Bihar cabinet previously sanctioned a budget of ₹225 crore for the Mahila Samvad Programme, which has now been absorbed into this comprehensive outreach effort.

Ashok Chowdhary, a JD(U) Minister, highlighted that Pragati Yatra will ensure inclusive governance by soliciting feedback from diverse groups and aligning state policies with public needs.

Itinerary of the Yatra

The Pragati Yatra will cover multiple districts over several days. The journey begins in West Champaran on December 23, followed by East Champaran on December 24. After a break for Christmas, the yatra resumes on December 26 in Seohar and Sitamarhi, continues to Muzaffarpur on December 27, and concludes this phase in Vaishali on December 28. The minister in charge of the district and other authorities will attend each visit, which will involve a thorough evaluation of development projects.
 

Empowering Women and Inclusive Development

Over his nearly 20-year tenure, Nitish Kumar has consistently prioritized women's empowerment and social development. The Pragati Yatra highlights his commitment to initiatives such as:

• 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• 35% reservation for women in government jobs.
• Supporting 1.4 crore JEEViKA Didis through self-help groups.
• Alcohol prohibition, a policy influenced by women's advocacy.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar emphasized that this yatra is about more than just reviewing progress. By making sure that policies take into account the needs of all citizens, especially women, it seeks to establish a roadmap for Bihar's future.
 

Political Significance Ahead of Elections

With the 2025 state elections approaching, the Pragati Yatra comes at a strategically important time. Women make up nearly 48% of Bihar’s electorate, making them a crucial voter base. Through this yatra, Nitish Kumar aims to reinforce his connection with women voters and demonstrate his government’s achievements in their empowerment.

Meanwhile, the opposition is also making efforts to court women voters. Promises such as the ‘Maai Behan Maan Yojana’, which proposes financial support for economically weaker women and increased pensions for widows, have been announced as part of their election agenda.

Nitish Kumar’s Legacy of Yatras

This isn’t the first time Nitish Kumar has undertaken such tours. His previous yatras, each with a unique focus, include:

• Nyaya Yatra – Focused on justice and legal reforms.
• Vikas Yatra – Centered on developmental progress.
• Sewa Yatra – Emphasizing service-oriented governance.
• Jal Jeevan Haryali Yatra – Promoting water conservation and environmental sustainability.
• Samaj Sudhar Yatra – Focused on social reforms and improving societal norms.

Each yatra has played a role in shaping Bihar’s policies and addressing the needs of the population.

Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for Bihar’s Future

The Pragati Yatra signifies Nitish Kumar’s unwavering commitment to grassroots governance and policy refinement. By directly engaging with the people, especially women, this initiative aims to identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes, and prepare for future reforms.

As the yatra progresses, it is expected to influence Bihar’s developmental discourse and set the stage for the upcoming elections. Stay tuned for the unfolding journey of the Pragati Yatra and its impact on the state’s future.