HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 7: Stating that a nation cannot survive on slogans alone, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday called upon the youth of Assam to protect their identity through hard work and commitment, as he ceremonially distributed the first tranche of financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan (CM-AAA) 2.0.
The assistance was distributed to 5,572 young entrepreneurs from Kamrup and Kamrup (Metropolitan) districts at a programme held at Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir in Guwahati.
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Of the total beneficiaries, 3,710 were from Kamrup district and 1,862 from Kamrup (Metro).
While 35 beneficiaries belonged to the professional category, 5,537 were from the general category.
Under CM-AAA 2.0, the State government aims to support 74,036 prospective entrepreneurs by releasing financial assistance exceeding Rs 1,482 crore.
Beneficiaries in the general category will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while those in the professional category, including engineers, MBBS and BDS graduates and other professionally trained candidates, will receive Rs 5 lakh each.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister urged young men and women to channel their inner strength positively and establish themselves as role models in society.
Describing the age group of 25 to 35 years as the most formidable phase of life, he said the manner in which this energy is utilised during this golden period shapes one’s future.
Sarma said that earlier, a large section of the youth expended their energy in movements and similar activities, but in recent years a positive environment has emerged in the state.
He pointed out that MSME registrations on the Udyam portal have increased nearly 30 times, from 9,371 in 2020 to 2.85 lakh in 2024.
At present, more than 12.7 lakh MSMEs are registered in Assam, generating over 82 lakh jobs.
He further stated that despite being a small state, Assam has disbursed more than Rs 30,773 crore in loans to small entrepreneurs till March 2025.
During his four financial years as Chief Minister, banks have extended nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in loans to MSMEs. Under the Assam Credit Guarantee Scheme, around 76,000 MSMEs received loans worth Rs 6,436 crore during 2024–25.
He also recalled that under CM-AAA 1.0, financial assistance was provided to 25,277 entrepreneurs.
The chief minister said beneficiaries under CM-AAA 2.0 would undergo a three-day training programme to help them establish their ventures effectively, after which the next installment of assistance would be released.
He informed that ‘CM Fellows’ have been appointed in all Assembly constituencies to remain in direct contact with entrepreneurs and provide handholding support.
Expressing confidence in the youth, Sarma said the government had received over one lakh applications for CM-AAA 2.0 and expected at least five lakh applications in the next phase.
“We have set a target to support 10 lakh young men and women by assisting two lakh beneficiaries every year over the next five years,” he said.
He also urged the beneficiaries to disprove the perception that Assam’s youth are unwilling to work.
“A nation does not survive on slogans alone. We must all resolve to protect our identity through hard work,” the chief minister said.
Highlighting future employment potential, Sarma said major upcoming projects such as the thermal power plant at Dhubri, the fourth unit of the Namrup fertiliser plant and the semiconductor unit at Jagiroad would create demand for transport, services and small businesses, offering fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Revenue and disaster management minister Keshab Mahanta, cooperation minister Jogen Mohan, industries, commerce and public enterprises minister Bimal Bora, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, several MLAs, Guwahati mayor Mrigen Sarania, chief secretary Dr Ravi Kota, additional chief secretary J B Ekka and other senior officials were present at the programme.
