In a significant move to bolster women-led entrepreneurship in Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed cheques of Rs. 10,000 each to 27,573 women beneficiaries from Self Help Groups (SHGs) during an event at Sadiya today. This initiative is part of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan and demonstrates the Assam government’s dedication to empowering women with financial independence, allowing them to play a key role in the rural economy. Of the total beneficiaries in the Sadiya constituency, 26,342 are from rural areas, while 1,231 are urban residents.
Speaking at the Sadiya Government Higher Secondary School playground, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan aims to build a new Assam where women can live with dignity and serve as the pillars of their households. He noted the existence of about 400,000 self-help groups involving over 4 million women in the state. Since the establishment of these groups, women have made significant strides, engaging with banks, learning about government schemes, and actively participating in community development.
He reported that women’s SHGs in Assam have borrowed approximately Rs. 21,000 crore from banks, with an impressive 99% repayment rate, earning the groups national recognition. Numerous SHGs have received invitations from other states to share their success stories. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Assam’s “Lakhpati Baideus” to participate in the Republic Day and Independence Day festivities in Delhi. The SHGs from Assam have also showcased their products in various exhibitions across the country, gaining widespread appreciation.
During a meeting in Jorhat, Prime Minister Modi expressed his vision of creating three crore “Lakhpati Baideus” in India and encouraged Assam to take steps to empower its women accordingly. In response to this vision and after discussions with successful female entrepreneurs, the Assam government launched the MMUA to foster financial independence among women in the state.
Dr. Sarma further illustrated the positive impact of self-help groups by sharing the story of Monika Das, a member of the Borshi Self-Help Group from Sonowal village No. 1. With a loan of one lakh rupees through the group’s connections and support from the State Livelihood Mission, she started a shoe and sandal business, now generating an income of around Rs. 8,500 per month, thereby enhancing her family’s quality of life.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/chief-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-distributes-cheques-to-beneficiaries-under-mmmua
Category: Assam News
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Publish Date: 2025-10-31 12:40:00
