HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 22: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that the Bongaigaon Medical College and the Engineering College will start functioning soon, marking a major boost to the district’s healthcare and education infrastructure.
The chief minister made the announcement while launching the distribution of seed capital cheques of ₹10,000 each to 23,949 women under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in Abhayapuri LAC.
Related Posts:
Of the beneficiaries, 22,641 are from rural areas and 1,308 from urban localities.
Speaking at a programme held at the playground of Abhayeswari Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School, Sarma said women in 40 of Assam’s 126 constituencies have already received the first instalment of the scheme and the remaining constituencies will be covered shortly.
He expressed satisfaction that beneficiaries who received funds in August and September had used the amount responsibly for constructive and income-generating activities.
He said the goal of MMUA is to help women become financially independent and evolve into “Lakhpati Baideo”, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enabling three crore women across India to achieve that milestone.
Explaining the model, the chief minister said that depositing the first instalment in a self-help group can help build a collective capital of ₹1 lakh, enabling women to start new ventures.
After six months, the government will assess progress and extend additional support of ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 to those who utilise the funds productively.
Sarma urged women of Abhayapuri to focus on livelihood activities such as goat rearing, poultry, dairy and piggery and avoid unproductive expenditure.
He cited the success stories of Jinuprava Barman of Tarali SHG and Chandrama Devi of Nandini Seuj SHG, both of whom became Lakhpati Baideo.
Highlighting the impact of MMUA and Orunodoi, he said the schemes have enhanced women’s dignity and strengthened their role as pillars of their households.
In Abhayapuri constituency, 29,683 beneficiaries have already received Orunodoi benefits and another 3,400 are set to be included.
Similarly, 2,772 female students have benefitted from the Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina scheme.
Under the Asom Mala scheme, major road projects—including the Oudubi–Jogighopa–Bongaigaon road, Talguri–Basugaon road, Shahid Bedi–North Salmara Junction road—and four new bridges are being taken up in Abhayapuri.
The chief minister added that the medical and engineering colleges at Bongaigaon would become operational soon.
He also said that old-age pensions would be increased shortly and announced that a scheme similar to Nijut Moina for boys will begin from January.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to social reforms, he referred to the proposed legislation on polygamy and the ongoing drive against child marriage.
GAD minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury, MLA Diptimoyee Choudhury, and several senior officials attended the programme.
Later in the day, the chief minister unveiled the statue of Rani Abhayeswari Devi on the premises of Abhayeswari Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School.
Remembered for her commitment to education and welfare during her tenure as a member of the Bijni royal family, she established schools, Sanskrit tols and temples and promoted music and dance. Sarma paid tribute to her legacy while unveiling the statue.
