In a significant move to boost women's economic empowerment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the distribution of cheques worth Rs 10,000 each to 30,806 women on Saturday. This initiative was carried out under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in the Borkhetri Assembly Constituency of Nalbari district.
Expanding Reach of the Scheme
With this latest distribution, the MMUA scheme has now benefited a total of 22,28,228 women across 91 Assembly Constituencies in Assam. In Borkhetri alone, a substantial amount of Rs 30,80,60,000 was disbursed to the beneficiaries during the event.
Encouraging Financial Prosperity
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma motivated women from Self-Help Groups selected under the scheme to aim for becoming 'Lakhpati Baideu' (women earning lakhs). He emphasized that the initial instalment of Rs 10,000 is merely the starting point of their journey towards financial independence.
"With consistent effort and dedication, these women can achieve their financial goals within the next one or two years," Dr. Sarma stated, highlighting the transformative potential of the scheme.
Inspiring Success Stories
The Chief Minister shared compelling examples of women who have already achieved remarkable success through the scheme. Bijumoni Devi, a member of the Samannay Self-Help Group under Barbhag Development Block, has become self-reliant by running a pickle-making enterprise. She now earns approximately Rs 15,000 per month, translating to an annual income of Rs 1.80 lakh.
Similarly, Anita Thakuriya, associated with the Jeevanjyoti Self-Help Group of Norowagaon, has attained an annual income of Rs 2.23 lakh through animal husbandry and fish farming activities.
Large-Scale Impact and Future Plans
Dr. Sarma revealed that out of 40 lakh women connected with Self-Help Groups in Assam, more than eight lakh have already become Lakhpati Baideu. To address the financial barriers that previously hindered many from pursuing business ventures, the government introduced the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.
The government plans to invest Rs 3,200 crore to provide Rs 10,000 each to 32 lakh women, marking an unprecedented women-centric initiative in the state's history.
Phased Financial Support and Evaluation
A door-to-door evaluation will be conducted after six months to assess the proper utilization of funds. If the initial funds are used effectively, beneficiaries will receive Rs 25,000 in the subsequent phase, followed by Rs 50,000 in the third year, ensuring sustained support for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Broader Welfare Initiatives
Dr. Sarma also outlined other welfare measures, noting that 27,663 beneficiaries in Borkhetri are currently receiving benefits under the Orunodoi scheme, with an additional 2,000 women to be included soon. On February 20, 40 lakh women will receive Rs 1,000 each under this scheme.
Furthermore, the government will soon distribute free pulses, sugar, and salt (1 kg each) along with 1 litre of edible oil to support household needs.
Comprehensive Development Efforts
The Chief Minister highlighted the overall positive impact of various government schemes over the past five years, which have provided considerable relief to poor and underprivileged families in managing expenses. Over 1.50 lakh youth have secured government jobs through transparent recruitment processes, a significant achievement once thought unattainable.
In Borkhetri, 3,023 girl students are benefiting from the Nijut Moina scheme, while 70,703 families receive pulses, sugar, and salt at Rs 100 through ration cards. The constituency has also seen notable progress in infrastructure development, including roads and educational institutions.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Environment and Forest Chandra Mohan Patowary, Chairman of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Narayan Deka, President of Nalbari Zila Parishad Geetumoni Baishya, and Mission Director of Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi.
