Bajali: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, asserting that women must rise in business and that every woman is capable of becoming self-reliant.
He was addressing a large gathering while distributing seed capital cheques under the flagship Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in the Bajali Legislative Assembly Constituency.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed Rs 10,000 seed capital cheques to nearly 28,000 women beneficiaries, marking a significant step towards promoting women-led entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
The initiative aims to encourage women to start small businesses, strengthen self-help groups, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
“Women should stand up and move forward. Every woman has the ability to work and earn with dignity. The government will always stand beside women who want to start their own business,” Sarma said. He added that the BJP-led government is focused on transforming women from job seekers into job creators.
Highlighting the scope of the scheme, the Chief Minister said women can take up entrepreneurial ventures such as weaving traditional gamosa, mustard oil production, dairy and milk-based activities, agriculture-related enterprises and other local businesses.
He assured that the state government would prioritise procurement of locally produced goods from women self-help groups for government offices and departments, thereby reducing dependence on supplies from outside the region.
The Chief Minister further said the government will release financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan in phases—Rs 10,000 initially, followed by Rs 25,000 and later Rs 50,000—based on proper utilisation and enterprise progress.
He also noted that women could use the funds to support or expand their family or husbands’ businesses, strengthening overall household income.
Appealing for responsible utilisation of the funds, Sarma urged the beneficiaries to invest the money wisely to ensure long-term financial stability.
He added that the government has a broader plan to connect women entrepreneurs with markets and institutional buyers to ensure sustained growth and income generation.
Referring to welfare initiatives such as Nijut Moina, free admissions, bicycles for Class IX students and scooters for meritorious higher secondary students, the Chief Minister said these schemes have significantly expanded opportunities for young girls across Assam.
Later, addressing beneficiaries in Bajali, Sarma said the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating three crore “Lakhpati Didis” nationwide, with Assam targeting the creation of 40 lakh such women.
The Assam government has launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan to promote women’s economic empowerment, strengthen self-help groups, and drive inclusive growth across the state.
Assam Cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Bhawanipur MLA Phanidhar Talukdar and Bongaigaon MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury including several party workers were present during the programme. Officials of the Bajali district administration and police ensured smooth conduct and discipline throughout the event.