Development of Assam, women’s welfare highest priority for Govt: Himanta
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday initiated the distribution of entrepreneurship fund cheques under the ambitious Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), marking a significant step towards empowering women in the Manas and Bhabanipur–Sarbhog Assembly constituencies. The chief minister reiterated that the development and progress of Assam, alongside the welfare of its women, remain the highest priority for the State Government.
In a massive push for grassroots entrepreneurship, a total of 30,737 women entrepreneurs from the Manas LAC (Baksa district) and 25,157 women from the Bhabanipur–Sarbhog LAC (Barpeta district) received cheques of Rs 10,000 each. Addressing a public gathering in the Manas constituency, the chief minister underscored the primary objective of the MMUA: to transform self-help group (SHG) members into ‘Lakhpati Baideu’ (Affluent Sisters) by providing essential seed capital. Sarma noted that of the approximately 40 lakh women associated with SHGs in Assam, over 8 lakh have already achieved the ‘Lakhpati Baideu’ status, with some successfully elevating themselves to ‘Maha Lakhpati Baideu’ by earning Rs 10 lakh or more annually.
He cited the inspiring stories of Nimati Ray and Akani Basumatary from Manas Kanya CLF and Manas CLF, respectively, who have emerged as successful Lakhpati Baideus. The chief minister expressed confidence that if 8 lakh women can successfully support their households through entrepreneurial ventures, the Government’s target of making every SHG member in Assam a Lakhpati Baideu within the next three years is achievable.
This vision will be realised through the combination of seed capital, structured training, and facilitating access to higher bank credit. Explaining the judicious use of the entrepreneurship fund, Sarma advised beneficiaries that the initial Rs 10,000 can be deposited collectively within their respective SHGs to build a Rs 1 lakh corpus, which can then be utilised to launch a joint business. Alternatively, the fund can be invested individually or used to expand existing family enterprises.
He announced a six-month review period for fund utilisation, stating that proper and effective use of the initial Rs 10,000 instalment would make the women eligible for subsequent assistance phases of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000.Later, in the Bhabanipur–Sarbhog Assembly constituency, Sarma highlighted the successes of local women like Ranu Das Kalita of Bowari SHG and Kalpana Barman of Rimjhim SHG, who have already become Lakhpati Baideus. Beyond the entrepreneurship initiative, the chief minister detailed other significant welfare measures for women and families. He announced a reduction in the price of essential commodities — pulses, salt, and sugar — provided to ration card holding families, from the current Rs 117 per kilogram for all three items to Rs 100 per kilogram, effective from January 1.
Furthermore, the State Government is considering providing one kilogram each of pulses, salt, and sugar free of cost to every family in the future, mirroring the free rice scheme of the Central Government. He also assured that the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme would see an additional 2,000 to 3,000 beneficiaries included in theManas constituency.
Sarma touched upon infrastructural development, mentioning road improvement works in the Manas area under the Asom Mala scheme, including key routes leading to Manas National Park. He highlighted that 27,891 beneficiaries in Manas are covered under Orunodoi and 1,797 girl students benefit from the Mukhyamantri Nijut Moina scheme.
Emphasising the State’s progress, he noted that nearly 1.5 lakh youths have secured Government jobs over the past five years in a merit-based and transparent manner, alongside the expansion of free healthcare and education facilities. He also shared a cultural highlight, mentioning that the sacred Vrindavani Vastra woven under the guidance of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, currently in London, would be brought to Guwahati in 2027 for public display.
Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, ASRLM Mission Director Kuntalmoni Sharma Bordoloi, officials of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, district administration, other public representatives, dignitaries and beneficiaries were present at the programme. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presenting cheques to the beneficiaries under Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyomita Abhiyan (MMUA) at Manash LAC in Baksa District on December 30, 2025.
