Sribhumi, Oct 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the ceremonial distribution of cheques to 18,745 women Self-Help Group (SHG) members under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in the Ramkrishna Nagar assembly segment of Sribhumi district. The beneficiaries include 17,425 women from rural areas and 1,320 from urban areas.
Each beneficiary received Rs 10,000 as entrepreneurship capital to start or expand small businesses such as dairy farming, poultry, piggery, or tailoring. The Chief Minister said that women who utilize the funds properly will receive Rs 25,000 next year and Rs 50,000 in the third year. He cited examples of Sangeeta Singha of Tulsi SHG and Niyati Bala Baishnab of Deep SHG, who became financially successful through weaving and dairy farming, respectively.
Sarma emphasized that the scheme aims to make women financially self-reliant and empower them as “Lakhpati Baideus.” He also outlined broader government measures for women’s welfare, including plans to introduce a law banning polygamy and efforts to prevent child marriage.
Under the Orunodoi Scheme, monthly assistance for beneficiaries will increase by Rs 250 from January next year for LPG purchases. Subsidized lentils, salt, and sugar will be distributed to all ration-card-holding families from November 7, complementing the Central Government’s free rice supply under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
The Chief Minister also announced upcoming development initiatives in the Ramkrishna Nagar constituency, including a Rs 100-crore road project under Asom Mala, Rs 12 crore for a stadium, Rs 31 crore for a girls’ college, Rs 20 crore for higher secondary school infrastructure, and a new medical college worth Rs 600 crore. He further highlighted projects for preserving Son Beel and constructing a new bridge at Dullavcherra.
The event was attended by Ministers Kaushik Rai and Krishnendu Paul, MP Kripanath Mallah, MLAs Bijoy Malakar and Siddique Ahmed, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Director Kuntalmani Sharma Bordoloi, and other dignitaries.
