Himanta distributes Rs 131 crore to 12,976 Assam entrepreneurs
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed the second tranche of financial assistance under the Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) 1.0, disbursing over Rs 131 crore to 12,976 successful entrepreneurs at a function held in Khanapara.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a decisive moment for the initiative, aimed at transforming Assam’s youth into job creators. He noted that while there is often a perception that Government assistance is under-utilised, many beneficiaries of the first tranche have progressed significantly, becoming eligible for bank loans and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
Highlighting the State’s demographic dividend, Sarma remarked that approximately seven lakh youth join the workforce in Assam annually. “If Governments fail to create employment opportunities beyond Government jobs, unemployment could lead to frustration,” he warned, adding that the State has already provided 1.6 lakh Government jobs while exploring alternative avenues.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Assam’s economy has surged from Rs 3.5 lakh crore to Rs 8.5 lakh crore in five years, bolstered by upcoming projects like the Jagiroad semiconductor facility and the Namrup fertiliser plant. He further announced that the State would bear part of the bank loan interest for entrepreneurs who utilise their capital properly.
Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah, MLAs Atul Bora, Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Diganta Kalita and Hemanga Thakuria along with Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Additional Chief Secretary JB Ekka and several senior officials and dignitaries, were present at the programme.
