Himanta distributes MMUA seed capital in Sivasagar and Sonari
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed seed capital cheques under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in Sivasagar and Sonari, asserting that the empowerment of women remains the cornerstone of societal progress. During the ceremonies, a total of 34,711 beneficiaries in Sivasagar and 28,296 in Sonari received cheques worth Rs 10,000 each to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. Addressing a massive gathering at the historic Talatal Ghar premises in Sivasagar, the Chief Minister highlighted that the MMUA is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
He noted that the distribution process has now been completed across 107 Legislative Assembly Constituencies, providing support to over 26.6 lakh women statewide. “The changes brought about in Assam through our efforts over the past five years are gradually becoming visible,” Sarma remarked. He emphasised that the primary objective of the scheme is to transform every woman into a “Lakhpati Baideu” (millionaire sister). Highlighting local success stories, he named several women in Sivasagar who are already earning between Rs 1.27 lakh and Rs 1.42 lakh annually through various self-sustained enterprises.
The Chief Minister outlined a three-tier roadmap for the utilisation of the funds, suggesting that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) could pool the capital for collective business or invest in livestock and family trades. He further announced that a door-to-door assessment would be conducted in six months; those utilising the funds effectively will be eligible for subsequent grants of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 in the following years.
In Sonari, Sarma combined the welfare distribution with a major infrastructure push, virtually inaugurating Jagannath Community Halls, Skill Centres in multiple tea gardens, and an Adarsha Vidyalaya. He also laid foundation stones for road projects and erosion protection works on the Disang River. Significant announcements included the establishment of the proposed Sukapha University in Sonari district and a one-time payment of Rs 8,000 for Orunodoi beneficiaries later this month.
The meeting held at Sonari was attended by the Minister of Cooperation and other departments, Jogen Mohan, MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, former MP Tapan Kumar Gogoi, former MLA Nabanita Handiqui, Mission Director ASRLM Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi and a host of other dignitaries.
