The Power of Self-Support Groups (SSGs) – LEPRA Society’s advocacy for the new Government Livelihoods Project

The Government Livelihoods project currently runs in Kalyanpur in the Samastipur district of Bihar State, India. A recent expansion of the programme has been identified as an important advocacy milestone. The women’s employment scheme provides an opportunity to engage Self Support Groups (SSGs), strengthen community participation and promote economic empowerment.

LEPRA’s reflections on SSGs and Economic Empowerment:  LEPRA Society has proven experience in the formation of SSGs and has operated in many districts throughout the state of Bihar since 2008. Reflecting on past-successes, LEPRA noted challenges to long-term sustainability, finding that economic empowerment is key to maintaining SSGs past the project end date. Drawing upon these insights, LEPRA is renewing its focus on economic empowerment as a pathway to drive lasting impact and sustain the progress of SSGs. The new Government Livelihoods project offers an opportunity to create lasting change for members of SSGs and the wider community.

SSGs play a crucial role in empowering individuals by fostering self-care, social cohesion, financial independence, and skills development. SSGs create a powerful platform for members to share resources, offer mutual support, and collectively work towards their health, economic and social betterment.

The success of SSGs depends on strong leadership, effective financial management, and sustained member engagement. However, funding limitations, regulatory hurdles, and group dynamics must be navigated to ensure long-term sustainability. The Government Livelihoods project offers a chance to reinforce SSG capacity and impact while promoting resilience and benefits that extend beyond their direct membership.

LEPRA’s Advocacy with 131 SSGs: A Report from Samastipur, State of Bihar

On August 29, 2025, Chief Minister Kumar announced the Women’s Employment Scheme, as an extension of the Creating Livelihoods, Changing Lives (JEEViKA) framework. Under this scheme, women in Bihar aged 18 to 60 will be provided financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh to start a business, strengthen financial independence and promote women-led small businesses across the state.

The process will begin with an initial transfer of ₹10,000 to applicants. After that, their business plans will be reviewed. Those found eligible will receive the remaining ₹2 lakh. On 26 September 2025, the first instalment of ₹10,0 was deposited into the bank accounts of around one crore women.

How it Works - Who is eligible for the ₹10,000?

• Applicants must be a member of Jeevika Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Applicants must reside in Bihar state
• Applicants must be between the ages of 16 – 60
• Applicants whose husbands who fall under the income tax bracket will not be eligible.
• Applicants or applicants with family members in the government sector or contractual jobs are not eligible
• Only one applicant per family is permitted. For this purpose, a family includes husband, wife, unmarried children, and the husband’s unmarried siblings.

Adding Value to SSGs in Jagruti: How has Jagruti integrated this scheme through the SSGs?

After the announcement of the scheme, State Coordinator (LEPRA Bihar) held a meeting with the key staff of Jagruti Bihar and State forum members, sharing the application form and providing submission guidance. Eligible applicants were supported to apply for the new initiative and those in the community who were not members of the government’s livelihood (JEEViKA) programme, have been encouraged to join their local JEEVikA group to gain eligibility.  

Jagruti Project survey data shows excellent results with advocacy and networking, expanding beyond SSG groups and into the wider community. LEPRA has noted that the initiative has provided an opportunity to engage communities beyond our programmes and improve our support for non SSG members with economic empowerment.    

** Males are not eligible for this scheme

Conclusion:

• 84.7% of of female SSG members have received the initial deposit of Rs. 10000/-
• 89.4% of females who are not members of SSGs received the initial deposit of Rs. 10000/- The scheme operates as grant-based financial support. After one year, the successes of the scheme will be evaluated, and applicants may be eligible for a further Rs 200,000 for expansion of their projects.

The scheme has provided an excellent advocacy opportunity to engage the wider community beyond our designated SSGs and further integrate non-SSG members into our initiatives. We hope this continued work will deepen our advocacy efforts, demonstrate the value of SSGs and provide women with opportunities to economic empowerment, building stronger and more resilient communities in Bihar.