In a bright crowd at Khanikar field, Dibrugarh, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma handed out seed‑capital cheques to 14,025 women. The ceremony celebrated the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), a program that gives new women entrepreneurs a financial boost.
Among those who walked home with cheques, 7,777 were from rural areas and 6,248 came from the city. The cash helps women turn small ideas into businesses, and it is the first step in a multi‑stage funding plan that could award up to ₹85,000 over three years.
### The MMUA in context
Sarma said the MMUA builds on Assam’s existing Orunodoi scheme, which has been paying ₹1,250 a month to families with children since 2020. The new scheme focuses on self‑help groups (SHGs) and aims to turn 4 million women in 40 lakhs SHG members into “Lakhpatis” (millionaires).
The program has already reached 17 legislative constituencies across the state, including Dibrugarh. Neighboring states—Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra—have adopted similar schemes, while Delhi and Haryana are preparing to launch their own. West Bengal’s Lakshmi Bhandar and Bihar’s interest show the model’s growing appeal.
### Real women, real stories
Sarma highlighted two inspiring examples. Manisha Gogoi Neog started making incense sticks at home in 2018 and now earns ₹20,000–30,000 a month. Meanwhile, Dipali Khanikar raised 17 goats and 50 chickens, earning about ₹1.5 lakh annually. These successes underline how seed funding can spark local economies and help families support education, health, and wellbeing.
### How the funding works
The MMUA gives an initial ₹10,000 cheque to each beneficiary. After six months, those who use the money wisely receive another ₹25,000. A year later, correct use can win a further ₹50,000. Over the program’s three-year period, every member could receive up to ₹85,000. “If 40 lakh women earn and reinvest this amount, Assam’s rural economy could change dramatically,” Sarma said.
### Complementary safety nets
Alongside the MMUA, the government announced additional welfare touches. Starting November 1, families with ration cards will get pulses, salt, sugar and subsidised rice at government outlets. Orunodoi beneficiaries will receive ₹250 to buy cooking gas. The state also emphasizes education support: free college admissions, free textbooks, bicycles for 9th‑grade students, and scooters for high‑school toppers.
“The government will keep track of how the funds are used and reward the most successful,” Sarma added. He urged beneficiaries to manage the capital smartly, promising that disciplined use leads to bigger rewards and additional government goodwill.
### A powerful turnout
The event drew a wide array of dignitaries: Union Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal, State Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Transport Minister Jogen Mohan, and several local MPs and councillors. Many SHG members shared the stage, underscoring the program’s support for grassroots women.
The ceremony marked a defining moment for Assam women empowerment. With seed capital, education incentives, and ongoing support, the state is pushing toward a future where 40 lakhs women become entrepreneurs, brightening both rural lives and the wider economy.
Source: aninews
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