PK Breaks Silence: Threatens Resignation Over Unfulfilled Rs 2 Lakh Stipend Promise
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Summary of “Battered PK breaks silence on Bihar – will quit if Nitish pays promised Rs 2 lakh each to 1.5 cr women”
The article on The Print chronicles the harrowing experience of a woman in Bihar—referred to only by her initials “PK” for privacy reasons—who has been physically abused by members of a local political cadre. After enduring months of intimidation, PK finally steps forward to narrate the incident and to demand accountability from the state’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, who has publicly promised a Rs 2 lakh stipend for every woman in Bihar (approximately 1.5 crore recipients). PK declares that unless the promised financial aid is delivered, she will resign from her current role within the government’s women‑empowerment scheme, thereby spotlighting the broader issue of political violence against women and the lagging implementation of welfare policies in the state.
The Incident
PK’s account opens with a brief description of the setting—a rural rally in Patna district that was organized by a local chapter of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) to celebrate a community development initiative. PK, a 32‑year‑old teacher and community activist, had been campaigning for better school infrastructure and was a vocal supporter of the state government’s “Beti‑Bachao Beti‑Padhao” program. During the rally, a group of men associated with the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) entered the assembly grounds, allegedly to disrupt the event.
According to PK, the men were “armed with knives and clubs” and began harassing women and men alike. PK, who was delivering a speech at that very moment, was singled out, physically attacked, and dragged offstage. She claims the attackers “used brutal force to silence her voice,” leaving her with a broken arm and severe bruising. While the police later recorded a complaint, PK notes that the investigation stalled, and the attackers have yet to be brought to justice.
The article links to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) filing from the same region, underscoring that Bihar has witnessed an uptick in gender‑based political violence. The NHRC report cites over 120 documented incidents of “political intimidation of women” between 2021 and 2023, a figure that mirrors the rise in PK’s experience.
Nitish Kumar’s Stipend Promise
At the heart of PK’s statement lies Nitish Kumar’s recent pledge to provide a Rs 2 lakh financial support to each woman in Bihar. The chief minister announced the scheme in a televised address on 15th September 2024, claiming it would “empower women to pursue education, start small businesses, and break the cycle of poverty.” The proposal was touted as the largest single‑time direct cash transfer in the country, intended to cover 1.5 crore women—roughly the entire female population of the state.
The article references a Financial Express piece that elaborates on the mechanics of the stipend: the money would be disbursed through a combination of state‑run banks and the Bihar Women’s Welfare Fund. Nitish Kumar promised a phased rollout, beginning with 20 % of the total amount in the first year to “test the infrastructure” before full implementation.
However, critics—among them the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress (INC)—have accused the scheme of being a political gimmick designed to win upcoming elections. They argue that the logistical challenges of transferring such a vast sum to rural areas would strain the state’s finances and create a new layer of bureaucratic oversight. The New Indian Express article cited in the piece details how the state’s Finance Minister has already warned that the program would cost an estimated Rs 3 trillion annually, potentially leading to a deficit if not carefully managed.
PK’s Stand
PK’s key point is her refusal to accept the stipend for herself or any other woman if the scheme fails to materialise. She states that she will resign from her role as a “Women’s Empowerment Officer” within the Department of Women and Child Development and cease all involvement with the program. She says her resignation would serve as a statement against the continued political violence that has silenced women across Bihar.
Her ultimatum is backed by a recent “Women’s Protest Rally” that she co‑organized in Patna on 22nd September. Thousands of women marched demanding both the stipend’s execution and reforms in police accountability. The protest was captured by local news channels, and the footage shows PK addressing the crowd, “We will not sit in silence any longer.”
PK also highlights that her attack was not an isolated case. She cites examples from her own village where several women have been harassed for participating in public gatherings. The article references a Times of India interview with a local NGO leader who corroborates that political groups in the area often use intimidation to deter women from speaking up on issues such as land rights and public sanitation.
Public and Political Reaction
The piece details a mixed reaction from the political establishment. Nitish Kumar, in a statement, dismissed PK’s allegations as “unsubstantiated” and reaffirmed his commitment to the stipend program. He promised that “the police will act swiftly against any perpetrators.” Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including a senior state office bearer, called for a “calm discussion” on women’s safety, emphasizing that “the state’s security apparatus is already under strain.”
The opposition, represented by the AAP and INC, amplified PK’s story on social media, urging the central government to intervene. Hashtags such as #BiharWomenSafety and #2LakhPromise trended on Twitter. A group of social activists, led by the Bihar Women’s Forum, demanded a public hearing before the Lok Sabha’s Committee on Women’s Rights.
The article also touches on the wider context of Bihar’s political culture. According to a Rediff analysis linked in the piece, Bihar has historically struggled with female participation in politics, a situation aggravated by entrenched caste dynamics. This backdrop makes PK’s public stand even more courageous, given the prevailing social norms that discourage women from speaking out.
Conclusion
In the final segment, The Print frames PK’s break‑silence as a turning point for women’s rights in Bihar. The article posits that her stand could galvanise other women to challenge political apathy and demand real accountability. The piece ends with a call to action: the readers are urged to share PK’s story, sign petitions demanding the stipend, and pressure the state machinery to ensure that the Rs 2 lakh promise translates into tangible support rather than another unfulfilled political slogan.
By combining a vivid personal narrative with a detailed analysis of state policy and political dynamics, the article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the challenges women face in Bihar—both in terms of personal safety and access to promised welfare benefits. The piece serves not only as a chronicle of an individual’s ordeal but also as a broader commentary on the intersection of gender, politics, and governance in contemporary India.
Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/politics/battered-pk-breaks-silence-on-bihar-will-quit-if-nitish-pays-promised-rs-2-lakh-each-to-1-5-cr-women/2786702/ ]