CM Himanta launches distribution of MMUA cheques in Nalbari

With the objective of economically empowering women in the State, creating avenues of livelihood for them, as a part of Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the distribution of cheques of Rs 10,000 to each of the 30,806 enterprising women of the Borkhetri Assembly Constituency in Nalbari district today.

With this, the scheme has so far benefited 22,28,228 women across 91 Assembly Constituencies in the State. An amount of Rs 30,80,60,00 has been distributed to the beneficiaries in Borkhetri today.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma urged every woman from Self-Help Groups selected under the scheme to strive to become a ‘Lakhpati Baideu’. He stated that although the first instalment of Rs 10,000 has been provided today, this marks only the beginning of their journey towards becoming financially prosperous. With sustained effort and hard work, they can achieve their goals within the next one or two years.

Highlighting success stories from the constituency, the Chief Minister cited Bijumoni Devi, a member of the Samannay Self-Help Group under Barbhag Development Block, who has become self-reliant through her pickle-making enterprise and now earns around Rs 15,000 per month, amounting to an annual income of Rs 1.80 lakh. Similarly, Anita Thakuriya, a member of the Jeevanjyoti Self-Help Group of village number Norowagaon, has achieved an annual income of Rs 2.23 lakh through animal husbandry and fish farming.

The Chief Minister stated that out of 40 lakh women associated with Self-Help Groups in Assam, more than eight lakhs have already become Lakhpati Baideu, reflecting the willingness of the women to engage in productive activities. However, due to financial constraints, many were previously unable to pursue business ventures and to address this, the Government launched the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.

He informed that the Government will spend Rs 3,200 crore to provide Rs 10,000 each to 32 lakh women. He emphasised that such a large women-centric scheme had never been implemented in Assam before. He further stated that the Government will conduct a door-to-door evaluation after six months. If the funds are properly utilized, beneficiaries will receive Rs 25,000 in the next phase, followed by another evaluation. Those successfully utilising the funds will receive Rs 50,000 in the third year. He also appealed to women beneficiaries to limit the number of children to three to ensure better focus on education and economic activities.

Chief Minister Sarma informed that 27,663 beneficiaries in Borkhetri are currently receiving benefits under the Orunodoi scheme, and an additional 2,000 women will be newly included. He announced that on February 20, 40 lakh women will receive Rs 1,000 each under the Orunodoi scheme.

Referring to other welfare initiatives such as Nijut Moina and free rice distribution, the Chief Minister announced that the Government will soon provide free pulses, sugar, and salt (1 kg each) along with 1 litre of edible oil.

The Chief Minister stated that due to the various schemes and initiatives undertaken during the nearly five-year tenure of the present Government, poor and underprivileged families have experienced considerable relief in managing household expenses. He also mentioned that over 1.50 lakh youth have secured Government jobs through transparent recruitment processes, a change that was once unimaginable.

Minister of Environment and Forest, Chandra Mohan Patowary, Chairman Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Narayan Deka, President of Nalbari Zila Parishad Geetumoni Baishya, Mission Director Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.