Steps taken to ensure economic, political and social security of women: CM
Women of Assam have transformed into an awakened and vibrant force: CM
Continuing the transformative journey towards women empowerment in the state, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the distribution of cheques to women beneficiaries of Self-Help Groups under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan (MMUA) for Bongaigaon LAC. Altogether 20,308 beneficiaries, including 16,741 from rural areas and 3,567 from urban areas have been covered in the LAC under the scheme.
Speaking on the occasion in a meeting held at Bongaigaon Mini Stadium, the Chief Minister said that the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan has been undertaken with the aim of making the women of the state financially self-reliant. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, around 3 crore women across India are being empowered and transformed into “Lakhpati Didis.” Dr. Sarma added that in Assam too, women who began their journey as members of self-help groups (SHGs) have not only become Lakhpati Baideus but some have reached the level of Mahalakhpati Baideus by earning up to ₹10 lakh per year. He observed that Assamese women, once confined to household chores, have gradually become economically active and socially prominent through self-help group activities.
The Chief Minister highlighted the success stories of Himani Barman, a member of the Hanuman Self-Help Group under the Radhakanu Village Organization (VO) and Tuniyama Cluster Level Federation (CLF) in the Bidyapur Development Block of Chirang district and Kavita Daimari, a member of the Parbati Self-Help Group under Jonaki Village Organization and Birjhara CLF, who have become Lakhpati Baideus from the Bongaigaon constituency. The Chief Minister said that such inspiring stories can be found across the state, where women associated with SHGs are exploring new horizons and contributing significantly to the progress of their families, villages and society. He remarked, “Today, the women of Assam have transformed into an awakened and vibrant force. They have successfully engaged themselves in productive activities.”
Dr. Sarma informed that out of the 40 lakh women associated with SHGs in Assam, 32 lakh have applied under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan. He stated that the government would require around ₹3,200 crore to implement the scheme. Around 20,000 women in Bongaigaon alone will benefit through this initiative. He urged the beneficiaries to use the fund productively advising them on how to utilize the first instalment of ₹10,000. He suggested that SHG members could pool their funds and avail bank loans for business expansion. Individually, women could invest in goat or poultry farming or other small businesses. They could even support their husbands’ ventures, if they wished. He added that those who use the first installment productively would receive ₹25,000 in the second phase and ₹50,000 in the third phase.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has made continuous efforts to build self-confidence among women. During the last four and a half years, the government has implemented several measures to ensure that girls, women and elderly women can live with dignity in the state. Referring to the Orunodoi Scheme, he said that although it had faced criticism from the opposition, the assistance amount under the scheme has increased from ₹830 to ₹1,250. From January next year, Orunodoi beneficiary families will also receive a ₹250 subsidy per LPG cylinder.
He further informed that due to the strong measures taken by the government, crimes against women have declined considerably and incidents of child marriage have drastically come down. He announced that a new law prohibiting polygamy would soon be enacted and another law addressing child marriage would be introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Dr. Sarma reaffirmed that the government is taking steps to ensure women’s economic, political, and social security. He added that from November 7, every family with a ration card will start receiving pulses, salt and sugar at subsidized rates and in February next year, women beneficiaries under the Orunodoi Scheme will receive a special gift, as the government is considering inclusion of edible oil in the scheme. He emphasized that all government initiatives including the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan, Orunodoi, Ayushman Bharat PM-Jan Arogya Yojana, Nijut Moina and distribution of bicycles and scooters share a common goal to support and uplift families in various ways.
MP Phanibhushan Choudhury, MLA Diptimoyee Choudhury, ASRLM Mission Director Kuntalmani Sharma Bordoloi, District Commissioner Nabadeep Pathak and several other dignitaries were present in the meeting.
