Assam Chief Minister Distributes Rs 10,000 Checks to SHG Members

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed checks of Rs 10,000 each to 18,370 members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) during an event in Margherita on October 29, 2023. This initiative is part of the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMMUA) aimed at financially empowering women in the state. The beneficiaries included 16,603 women from rural areas and 1,767 from municipal zones.

During the event at the Dehing Sports Complex, Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting SHGs in Assam. He stated, “This support has included the provision of financial assistance and facilitation of bank loans.” The Chief Minister noted that women engaged in these groups have become adept at navigating banking systems, producing goods, and achieving self-sufficiency. Currently, the state boasts approximately 4 lakh SHGs with around 40 lakh women participating actively. As a result, 8 lakh women now earn over Rs 1 lakh annually.

Sarma highlighted the recognition given to some successful members of these groups, referred to as “Lakhpati Baideos,” who were invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi. The Chief Minister expressed hope that more women in SHGs would aspire to similar success. He outlined that the MMMUA initiative was launched to empower women financially, providing seed capital of Rs 10,000 in its first year. If the funds are utilized for productive purposes, the amount could rise to Rs 25,000 in the second phase and further to Rs 50,000 in subsequent years.

Women can use these funds for group ventures or individual activities such as weaving, animal husbandry, or starting small businesses. Additionally, they may invest in their husbands’ businesses if they choose. To assist in these efforts, the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission and the Assam State Urban Livelihood Mission will provide three days of training.

Sarma also discussed the Orunodoi Scheme, launched during the 2021 elections, which has seen a significant increase in its subsidy amount from Rs 830 to Rs 1,250. Starting this year, the scheme will assist women in purchasing cooking gas cylinders, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 1,500 monthly. The Orunodoi scheme is projected to benefit around 36 lakh women.

The Chief Minister outlined the financial implications of the MMMUA, estimating a total expenditure of Rs 4,000 crore. As the seed capital increases to Rs 25,000 and later to Rs 50,000, the total cost could escalate to Rs 20,000 crore. He noted that the Orunodoi scheme requires Rs 400 crore monthly, amounting to Rs 4,800 crore annually.

In addition to the MMMUA, Sarma referenced the Nijut Moina scheme, which provides financial support to female students at various educational levels, with amounts ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500. Beginning on November 1, the government plans to distribute free rice through ration cards, along with subsidized rates for pulses, sugar, and salt. He asserted that no previous administration had introduced such a comprehensive array of welfare programs for women.

The event also included notable attendees such as the Minister of Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, Bimal Borah, the Minister of Power, Prasanta Phukan, and various local dignitaries. Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma inaugurated a significant scientific waste management project in Tinsukia district, which includes a Material Recovery Facility and Waste to Compost Plant built at a cost of nearly Rs 6 crore. This facility is expected to process 50 metric tons of municipal waste daily, contributing to environmental sustainability in the region.