HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 3: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, saying his goal is to eliminate child marriage, ensure education for every girl child, and create a society where women live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy.
Addressing a function at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district, the chief minister distributed cheques of ₹10,000 each to 31,045 beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) under Naduar Legislative Assembly Constituency.
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The scheme, launched on April 1 this year from Bihali constituency, is now being implemented across all constituencies of the State.
Sarma said that the State government has been steadfast in fulfilling its election promises and has so far provided government employment to over one lakh youth—an achievement unmatched in the State’s 75-year history.
Recalling the launch of the Orunodoi scheme before the previous Assembly election, the chief minister said that despite opposition criticism, the scheme’s coverage and benefits have expanded.
The government recently increased the monthly benefit from ₹830 to ₹1,250 and added an additional ₹250 for LPG cylinder purchases, raising the total assistance to ₹1,500.
He further noted that when the State announced the plan to provide ₹10,000 to each self-help group (SHG) member, critics had dismissed it as an unrealistic promise.
“But we have kept our word,” Sarma said, adding that the MMUA reflects a broader vision of empowering women to become entrepreneurs.
Highlighting success stories from Naduar LAC, Sarma cited examples such as Monalisa Devi of Itakhola village, who transformed her small cake business into a full-fledged bakery with a ₹2 lakh loan, now earning around ₹35,000 per month.
Another example, Rashmi Rabha from Hatbor, Jamugurihat, used loans to begin fish farming and cultivation, now earning ₹33,000 monthly.
Sarma said that women have evolved from homemakers to financial contributors and business leaders, and with continued government support, they can emerge as strong pillars of Assam’s economy.
The chief minister also spoke of upcoming local development initiatives, including a permanent venue for the Baresahariya Bhaona, construction of a stadium, and new hospitals in the area.
Water Resources Minister and Guardian Minister of Sonitpur Pijush Hazarika, MP Banjit Dutta, MLAs Padma Hazarika, Prithiraj Rabha, Krishnakamal Tanti, Ganesh Kumar Limbu, Pramod Borthakur, Diganta Ghatowar, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Later, Sarma visited the proposed site of Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University at Gohpur, where Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to lay the foundation stone on November 8.
He reviewed the preparations and issued necessary directions to ensure the success of the event.
