Chief Minister launches the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan
Affirms the State Government’s resolve to fulfil its commitments to the people
Urges women to utilise capital prudently and advance as entrepreneurs
At a public rally in Nalbari, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the second phase of cheque distribution to members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.
Notably, the first phase of the initiative had commenced on 1 April in the Behali constituency. In this second phase, 33,909 SHG members – comprising 31,179 women from rural Nalbari and 2,730 women from the Nalbari Municipality – have each been granted financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 to support entrepreneurial endeavours. To mark the formal launch of this phase, the Chief Minister personally distributed cheques to thirteen beneficiaries
Addressing the gathering at the playground of PM Shri Ghograpar Higher Secondary School, Dr. Sarma observed that the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan was conceived as a means for strengthening the financial autonomy of women engaged in SHGs. He noted that Assam is home to nearly four lakh SHGs with an estimated forty lakh women members, and that the government has committed itself to providing Rs. 10,000 to each member as seed support for entrepreneurial pursuits. This measure would entail an expenditure of Rs. 3,038 crores. He further stated that the assistance could be employed by beneficiaries either individually, in partnership with family members, or collectively with fellow SHG members. A governmental review of fund utilisation would take place after one year. Those who demonstrate effective deployment of this assistance would, in the subsequent phase, receive Rs. 25,000 – of which Rs. 15,000 would be contributed by the government and Rs. 10,000 secured through bank linkage. Proper utilisation at that stage would, in turn, render beneficiaries eligible for loans up to Rs. 50,000, with the State government covering interest liabilities and providing a 25% subsidy.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the present government has sought to honour its commitments through initiatives such as Orunodoi, Nijut Moina, and the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan. Referring to the first phase launched at Behali, he noted that reports of fund utilisation by beneficiaries had been largely positive. He also acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which, he stated, has facilitated the implementation of welfare schemes and developmental initiatives in Assam.
Today’s event was also attended by Minister of Panchayat & Rural Development etc. Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Minister of Agriculture etc. and Guardian Minister of Nalbari Atul Bora, Minister of Public Health Engineering etc. Jayanta Mallabaruah, Additional Chief Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, State Mission Director of the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Kuntal Moni Sarmah Bordoloi, District Commissioner Nibedan Das Patowary, Chairperson of Nalbari Zila Parishad Gitumoni Baishya, Chairperson of Nalbari Municipal Board Jayashree Talukdar, Chairperson of Nalbari Development Authority Banadip Deka, along with several senior officials and other dignitaries.
