Assam CM Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Through Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

In yet another step toward strengthening women’s economic empowerment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented cheques to 5,791 women beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) at a function held in Kahikuchi, Azara. The initiative aims to provide women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the support needed to start or expand their entrepreneurial ventures.

Each beneficiary received seed capital of ₹10,000, enabling them to pursue sustainable income-generating activities. The event specifically benefitted women from the Jalukbari constituency, reflecting the government’s commitment to uplifting women in both rural and urban communities.

A Strong SHG Ecosystem in Assam

Highlighting the crucial role of SHGs, the Chief Minister shared that Assam currently has about 50,000 SHGs in urban areas and around 40 lakh women engaged in SHGs statewide. Over the years, schemes like the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana have already provided SHGs with revolving funds of ₹25,000 each, paving the way for bank linkages and loans worth an impressive ₹16,000 crore.

The repayment record of these groups stands out as a remarkable success story—99% of SHG loans have been repaid on time. In fact, more than 8 lakh SHG members have already earned over ₹1 lakh, proving that women-led microenterprises are not only viable but also thriving in Assam.

Financial Empowerment as Social Empowerment

CM Sarma emphasized the transformative power of financial independence, stating, “I believe if a woman is financially self-sufficient, then a family is run much better.” He noted that the rise of SHGs has given women leadership roles in society, driving prosperity and creating a ripple effect in communities across the state.

The government envisions continued support under MMUA by offering a second round of seed capital disbursal, encouraging SHG members to expand and diversify their entrepreneurial activities.

Complementary Initiatives for Families

The Chief Minister also announced the launch of Orunodoi 3.0, synchronized with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations. Under this scheme, beneficiaries will receive a ₹250 subsidy on LPG cylinders, in addition to subsidized rice, sugar, and salt for ration card holders from November 1. These measures aim to provide relief to poor and middle-class families while ensuring that women’s empowerment translates into household prosperity.

A Safer and More Empowered Society

While addressing the gathering, CM Sarma also touched upon the state’s progress in women’s safety. He noted that crimes against women have significantly decreased in recent years, enhancing their social status and reinforcing their role in leadership and economic activities.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including MP Lok Sabha Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayat and Rural Development B Kalyan Chakravarthy, and Mission Director of ASRLM Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi, among others.

The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan reflects Assam’s vision of inclusive growth, where women entrepreneurs stand at the center of economic transformation. By providing seed capital, facilitating access to credit, and fostering self-reliance, the initiative not only strengthens livelihoods but also reinforces women’s leadership in society.

With strong government backing and the determination of Assam’s women, the state is poised to become a shining example of how grassroots entrepreneurship can drive sustainable economic progress.(ANI)