Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized that empowering women is the key to building a stronger, more prosperous society. The Assam government is actively working to help women become self-reliant through various initiatives.
On Tuesday, the Chief Minister launched a new scheme in Hojai to support women entrepreneurs. Under the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, nearly 32 crore rupees were distributed as seed capital to 31,910 women part of self-help groups. Each woman received a cheque of Rs 10,000 to help boost their small businesses.
These women are involved in many different activities, such as goat rearing, dairy farming, rice cultivation, poultry, handicrafts, pig farming, and fishery. The goal is to give them the support they need to grow and succeed.
During the event, Sarma said, “When we empower women, we strengthen the entire society. Our government is working hard to make women self-reliant and equal partners in Assam’s progress.” He expressed confidence that this seed money will help women expand their work and contribute to the rural economy.
The Chief Minister also shared plans for more welfare schemes. Starting September, women will get an extra Rs 250 subsidy for LPG cylinders under the Arunodoi scheme. From November, ration card holders will be able to buy rice, sugar, and salt at lower prices, making everyday essentials more affordable.
Sarma encouraged women to make the most of the seed capital. Those who use the money wisely could get additional financial support of Rs 25,000 and later Rs 50,000 to grow their businesses. He shared that out of Assam’s 40 lakh women, about 10 lakh have already become “lakhpatis” (millionaires), and hopes many more will follow.
This distribution in Hojai is part of a larger state-wide plan to issue Rs 3,200 crore to women entrepreneurs across Assam. The main goal is to make Assam more self-reliant by creating opportunities for women at the grassroots level, strengthening families and communities throughout the region.
