A group of Jeevika Didi workers staged a protest outside the Janata Dal (United) office in Patna today, expressing their displeasure over delays in receiving the promised ₹10,000 annual stipend under a state government support scheme. The demonstrators, who are members of the women-led Jeevika programme, gathered in significant numbers, chanting slogans and demanding immediate disbursement of the funds.
Participants said that despite repeated assurances from political leaders and district officials, many beneficiaries have yet to receive the financial assistance that is meant to support them and their families. The protesters held placards highlighting their urgent need for the stipend to cover household expenses, education costs and healthcare needs.
The demonstration disrupted traffic near the political party’s office, prompting a police presence to maintain order and manage the crowd. Protestors said they had approached local officials and submitted petitions earlier, but felt their grievances were not addressed satisfactorily, leading them to escalate the matter to the state party headquarters.
Organisers of the protest emphasised that the movement is peaceful, urging authorities to process the outstanding payments promptly. They also called for greater transparency in how the scheme’s disbursement schedule is communicated to beneficiaries, saying that lack of clarity has caused confusion and frustration among many women.
Representatives of the Jeevika Didi group said they are prepared to continue their agitation until definitive action is taken. Some leaders indicated that they would also seek meetings with senior state officials and party representatives to explain the
Police officers stationed near the site said they are monitoring developments and facilitating the protest while ensuring public safety. No reports of violence or arrests were recorded during the demonstration.
Local community members expressed sympathy for the protesters, noting that timely financial support can be crucial for families with limited economic means. They said that the Jeevika programme has helped many women gain financial inclusion, but delays in fund release undermine confidence in its implementation.
Officials at the JDU office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it remained unclear when the pending stipends would be disbursed. The protest highlighted ongoing challenges in programme execution and raised questions about communication between district authorities and beneficiaries.
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