HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 12: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched the distribution of cheques to 17,680 members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan at a programme held at the Veterinary College playground, Khanapara, Guwahati.
The beneficiaries include 7,625 women from Dispur, 5,933 from Guwahati Central, and 4,122 from New Guwahati constituencies.
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On the occasion, the chief minister also launched the distribution of cheques under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana (PM–AJAY), under which Scheduled Caste women SHGs will receive ₹50,000 each to promote skill development and entrepreneurship.
The scheme is expected to benefit 12,000 Scheduled Caste families and SHGs across the state.
In his address, Sarma said Assam has made remarkable progress in the field of women empowerment, emerging as a model state through initiatives such as Orunodoi, Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, and Nijut Moina.
He said the government has also taken firm measures to curb child marriage and crimes against women and is moving ahead with the process of enacting a law to prohibit polygamy in the state.
“These initiatives reflect the government’s deep sense of gratitude towards the women of Assam and our commitment to ensuring dignity, education, and opportunity for all,” the chief minister said. “When women are empowered, society undergoes positive transformation,” he added.
Sarma said that along with infrastructure projects like bridges over the Brahmaputra and flyovers across the state, welfare schemes have transformed the lives of poor and underprivileged communities.
He said the Orunodoi scheme has brought dignity and financial inclusion to nearly 40 lakh women, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their families.
Referring to the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, Sarma said the initiative aims to help SHG members become Lakhpati Baideus.
Citing the example of Pushpa Das from the Chandraprabha SHG under Chandrapur Development Block, who expanded her tea stall into a restaurant, he said her story represents the spirit of women’s entrepreneurship the scheme seeks to promote.
He informed that women who effectively use the initial seed capital of ₹10,000 would be eligible to receive ₹25,000 and subsequently ₹50,000 in the next phases.
The chief minister also advised beneficiaries to maintain a balanced family size for better care and education of their children.
Sarma urged the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to frame a policy giving priority to women SHGs in granting trade licences in suitable commercial areas.
Observing that despite 3–4 lakh women living in Guwahati, no constituency has yet covered more than 10,000 beneficiaries under the scheme, he directed the GMC to expand its coverage to reach more women.
The event was attended by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, PHE Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MLAs Atul Bora and Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Additional Chief Secretary B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, GMC Commissioner M.S. Lakshmipriya, and ASRLM Mission Director Kuntalmoni Sharma Bordoloi, among others.
