HT Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Oct 10: In a landmark initiative to empower women and promote entrepreneurship, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday handed over seed capital cheques to 14,025 beneficiaries of the Dibrugarh Legislative Assembly constituency under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA).
The public event was held at Khanikar Field, Dibrugarh, with beneficiaries including 7,777 women from rural areas and 6,248 from urban areas.
Related Posts:
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted that since the launch of MMUA, capital seed has been distributed across 17 constituencies.
He drew attention to Assam’s Orunodoi Scheme, launched in 2020, which provides Rs. 1,250 monthly to households, and noted that other states including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana have implemented or are planning similar initiatives, with West Bengal already running its Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme inspired by Orunodoi.
Sarma explained that while Orunodoi aimed to uphold women’s dignity and provide household support, the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan seeks to transform members of self-help groups into rural entrepreneurs, helping them earn and reinvest to create sustainable livelihoods.
Currently, 40 lakh women are part of self-help groups across Assam, comprising four lakh such groups, reflecting a growing spirit of enterprise among Assamese women.
Referring to historical and cultural icons, the Chief Minister said Assamese women, from Birangana Sadhani to Kanaklata, have consistently displayed resilience and entrepreneurship.
Modern self-help groups have ignited a renewed awakening, empowering women to actively participate in the economy.
Sarma outlined that the MMUA provides an initial Rs. 10,000 to beneficiaries, which can grow over three years based on proper utilization — Rs. 25,000 in the second year and Rs. 50,000 in the third, totaling up to Rs 85,000 per woman, potentially transforming Assam’s rural economy.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to assess the utilization of funds and reward prudent management.
The chief minister cited inspiring examples of women who turned small initiatives into successful businesses.
Manisha Gogoi Neog, a member of the Sonali Self-Help Group, started making incense sticks at home in 2018 and now earns Rs 20,000–30,000 per month, while Dipali Khanikar rears goats and chickens, earning about Rs 1.5 lakh annually. He stressed that such women contribute not only economically but also socially by educating children and sustaining vibrant communities.
To complement MMUA, the government announced additional welfare measures, including subsidised pulses, salt, and sugar for families from November 1, and Rs. 250 support for cooking gas to Orunodoi beneficiaries.
Other initiatives highlighted were free college admissions, the Nijut Moina Scheme for girl students, free textbooks, bicycles for ninth-grade students, and scooters for top performers in higher secondary examinations.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Transport Minister Jogen Mohan, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, several MLAs, Chief Executive Members of Autonomous Councils, Dibrugarh Mayor Dr Saikat Patra, Zila Parishad Chairperson Pushpanjali Sonowal, Mission Director Kuntal Mani Sarma Bordoloi, and members from self-help groups were present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan reflects the state government’s respect for the mothers of Assam and aims to transform 40 lakh women into ‘Lakhpati’, while continuing to foster economic growth and development among the underprivileged.
