PATNA, Oct. 7 -- Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday transferred Rs.2,500 crore to the bank accounts of 2.5 million women beneficiaries under the CM's Women Employment Scheme at the rate of Rs.10,000 per beneficiary, from 'Sankalp', his official residence at 1, Anne Marg here, according to a press release issued by the chief minister's office. The scheme, launched by PM Modi on September 26 in the presence of the CM, had earlier seen Rs.7,500 crore disbursed to 7.5 million women through direct benefit transfer (DBT). With Monday's transfer, total Rs.10,000 crore has now been credited to 10 million women beneficiaries across Bihar. Congratulating the beneficiaries who joined the event virtually, Kumar said, "This scheme ensures that one woman from every family in the state benefits. Women who successfully start employment will also receive additional support of up to Rs.2 lakh." Nitish said the NDA government in Bihar had prioritised women's empowerment since 2005. "We introduced 50% reservation for women in panchayats in 2006, extended it to urban local bodies in 2007, and provided 35% reservation in police and government jobs. The number of Jeevika self help groups has now reached 1.1 million, with 14 million Jeevika didis actively contributing to the state's growth," he added. Kumar said Bihar was receiving full cooperation from the Centre for its development. "This assistance will help mothers and sisters begin small enterprises, bringing prosperity to their families and accelerating the development of the state," he said. A short film on the scheme was screened at the event. Rural development secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh welcomed the CM with a green plant. Anju Kumari, the 1 croreth beneficiary from Samastipur district, shared her success story of becoming self-reliant through Jeevika and said the new assistance would help her open a grocery shop. She thanked the chief minister for empowering women and increasing the old age pension from Rs.400 to Rs.1,100 per month....