Himanta launches distribution of MMUA cheques to 27,000 women

In a significant push towards financial inclusion and self-reliance for women, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the distribution of seed capital under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) for the Bokakhat Legislative Assembly constituency. At a programme held in Bokakhat, Golaghat district, the Chief Minister handed over cheques worth Rs 10,000 to each of the 27,166 women beneficiaries.

The event was a major development milestone for the region, with Sarma virtually inaugurating 22 completed projects worth Rs 64.58 crore and laying foundation stones for 18 new initiatives valued at Rs 77.55 crore. These projects are set to strengthen local infrastructure, covering roads, housing, irrigation and the health sector.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma emphasised that the Assam Government’s MMUA scheme is designed to financially empower 32 lakh women across the State with a total outlay of Rs 3,200 crore. He announced that after already providing the capital to 16 lakh women, the remaining beneficiaries would receive their funds within the next 15 to 20 days.

“In the nearly 80 years since India gained independence, Assam has never implemented such a large-scale scheme to financially empower women,” Sarma Stated. The initiative stands alongside the Government’s flagship Orunodoi scheme, which now provides monthly assistance to 40 lakh women Statewide. In Bokakhat alone, 31,844 women benefit from Orunodoi, while the Nijut Moina scheme for promoting women’s education has benefited nearly three lakh female students, including 1,980 students in the current year.

Sarma recalled the initial skepticism from the opposition when the monthly Rs 830 Orunodoi payment was first announced, noting that the scheme has since expanded from 18 lakh to nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries, with the monthly assistance increasing to Rs 1,250.

The Chief Minister also detailed the State Government’s collaboration with the Centre to support poor families, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s free rice distribution initiative. In addition to the free rice, the State Government is now supplying one kilogram each of pulses, sugar, and salt to ration card holders for the reduced price of Rs 100, down from Rs 117.

In further welfare announcements, Sarma confirmed the imminent launch of the Nijut Babu scheme for male students, mirroring the Nijut Moina scheme. He also announced that Orunodoi beneficiaries would receive an additional Rs 8,000 along with their monthly assistance on February 20, ahead of Bhogali Bihu. Furthermore, 2,000 additional beneficiaries will be identified to ensure every eligible family in Bokakhat is covered by the Orunodoi scheme.

Highlighting the Government’s focus on law and order and conservation, Sarma proudly Stated that rhino killings in the Kaziranga National Park have been completely halted due to strict action against poachers.He also provided an update on the continuous eviction drives against illegal encroachment, which have already recovered approximately 1.60 lakh bighas of land, with efforts ongoing to recover a further 12 lakh bighas.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to complete transparency in the recruitment process, noting that nearly 1.5 lakh youth have already secured Government employment, exceeding the initial target of one lakh jobs. Road connectivity in the region is set for a monumental upgrade.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga elevated corridor on January 18. Set to be Asia’s longest elevated corridor at 34 kilometres, the project will drastically cut travel time between Bokakhat and Kaliabor to about 15 minutes, significantly improving access to Guwahati.

The Chief Minister also announced forthcoming work on an underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra between Numaligarh and Gohpur, which will accommodate both road and rail traffic. He noted that the recent inauguration of a bio ethanol plant at Numaligarh by the Prime Minister, with plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel from bamboo, underscores the constituency’s strong industrial growth.

Emphasising the larger goal of MMUA, Sarma said the mission is not merely about providing initial capital, but about inspiring women to become Lakhpati Baideu (millionaire sisters). Assam currently has 40 lakh women in self-help groups (SHGs), with over eight lakh already achieving ‘Lakhpati’ status. Citing successful examples like Nirmala Sarma, who thrived through dairy entrepreneurship, and Riju Das, who found success in the tailoring and garment business, he expressed confidence in the beneficiaries.

The programme was attended by Minister Agriculture Atul Bora, Minister Finance Ajanta Neog, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Bhabendra Nath Bharali and Biswajit Phukan, and Mission Director Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi, alongside other dignitaries.