HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Feb 20: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the first instalment of financial assistance under the State government’s flagship Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 to young entrepreneurs from Sonitpur, Biswanath and Darrang districts at a function on Thursday at Kumar Gaon in Tezpur. Through the programme, more than Rs 65 crore was distributed among 6,561 aspiring entrepreneurs, including 2,869 from Sonitpur, 1,864 from Biswanath and 1,828 from Darrang. The first installment has now reached 50,376 beneficiaries across 25 districts with a cumulative outlay of Rs 461 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the CM described the financial assistance as “a ladder for building the future of our young people” and urged beneficiaries to “climb it with confidence, discipline and honesty.” He emphasised that government jobs alone cannot provide employment for all and highlighted the need to create a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Assam.
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Sarma also referred to Assam’s ‘Shraddhanjali’ scheme for migrant workers and outlined broader employment opportunities, including the semiconductor unit at Jagiroad and the thermal power project at Chapar in Dhubri, which are expected to generate thousands of jobs.
Explaining the scheme, he said beneficiaries receive Rs 75,000 as the first instalment, Rs 25,000 after a three-day training programme and the remaining Rs 1 lakh after one year. Proper fund utilisation is monitored, with eligible beneficiaries able to access higher bank credit under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
The Abhiyan aims to cover 74,444 beneficiaries across Assam, including Rs 2 lakh for general category recipients and Rs 5 lakh for professional category recipients, with half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan.
The programme was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal, MP Ranjit Dutta, several MLAs, former MP Pallab Lochan Das and senior officials.
