HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Jan 29: In a major push towards women-led entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, a ceremonial distribution of cheques under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) was held on Thursday across two Legislative Assembly Constituencies of Kokrajhar district—No 4 Baokhungri and No 5 Parbatjhora. A total of 46,779 eligible women Self Help Group (SHG) members received financial assistance under the scheme.
At Puran Bazar Field under No 4 Baokhungri LAC, 24,984 women SHG members from 3,104 SHGs were benefited. This included 24,865 members covered under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) from Kokrajhar, Chapar, Salmara, Bilasipara, Dotma, Kachugaon, Gossaigaon and Debitola blocks, along with 119 SHG members covered under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) under Kokrajhar Municipality. Meanwhile, 21,795 eligible women SHG members received cheques at Ghoramara Field under No 5 Parbatjhora LAC.
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Addressing the gathering, BTC Chief and chief guest Hagrama Mohilary appreciated the initiative of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, stating that the scheme reflects the Chief Minister’s vision of inclusive development across all communities. He said MMUA ensures that women from every section of society, irrespective of community or background are equally empowered and uplifted.
Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, Public Health Engineering Department, Assam in his address described MMUA as the first step towards the Chief Minister’s vision of making every SHG member a “Lakhpati Baideu”. He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the initial assistance of Rs 10,000 judiciously, as successful utilisation would make them eligible for enhanced assistance of Rs 25,000 in the next phase, followed by Rs 50,000 in Phase-III based on performance. He informed that the scheme has already covered nearly 22 lakh women across the state, making it one of the largest women entrepreneurship initiatives in Assam. He also announced the inclusion of 2,000 additional beneficiaries under the Arunodoi scheme in the region.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty welcomed the dignitaries and beneficiaries and highlighted that MMUA is not merely a financial assistance scheme but a transformative initiative with the potential to reshape the economic landscape of the region. He emphasised that when utilised effectively, such schemes can empower women to uplift their families, strengthen society and represent the region and the state at national and global levels. The programme was attended by executive members Prakash Basumatary and Mrityunjay Narzary, MCLAs Dhaneswar Goyary, Jubiraj Basumatary and Azamul Hoque, heads of departments, senior officials and other distinguished guests.
