HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 15: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently launched a major welfare outreach in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, focusing on economic self-reliance and women-led entrepreneurship in the hill districts.
At a large public programme at Serdihun Aklam in Baithalangso, West Karbi Anglong, the chief minister distributed seed money of ₹10,000 each to Self-Help Group members under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), a flagship initiative aimed at turning rural women into micro-entrepreneurs.
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Addressing the gathering, Sarma said the scheme was a transformative step towards ensuring women’s active role in Assam’s economic growth.
He said more than 24,000 beneficiaries in West Karbi Anglong and over 14,000 in Karbi Anglong have been covered under the programme.
The financial assistance, he added, will be released in phases to support small businesses, cooperative ventures and self-employment initiatives.
The chief minister underlined that women’s empowerment remains central to the government’s development vision and said welfare schemes are being implemented without discrimination to ensure benefits reach the grassroots.
He also assured that the government would extend skill development support and market linkages so that enterprises started by SHG members become sustainable.
During the visit, Sarma reviewed progress in key sectors such as rural infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare, reiterating the government’s commitment to uplifting economically weaker sections in the hill districts.
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang praised the state government’s initiatives, saying recent development projects have significantly benefited both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.
He urged SHG members to utilise the seed money as start-up capital for income-generating activities that would support their families and communities.
Later in the day, the chief minister reached Diphu by helicopter and attended another cheque distribution programme at the Taralangso Open Stage.
The event was attended by Ronghang, Karbi Anglong MP Amarsing Tisso, and several Executive Members and Members of the Autonomous Council.
The programmes concluded with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the continued support, marking a significant step in the socio-economic advancement of the hill districts.
