Nagaon (Assam), 21 July (HS): Assam Agriculture, Irrigation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday distributed MMUA cheques worth ₹10,000 each to more than 45,000 women beneficiaries during two public meetings held in Rupahihat and Samaguri Assembly constituencies of Nagaon district.
Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), cheques were handed over to 19,840 beneficiaries in Rupahihat and 25,658 beneficiaries in Samaguri, benefiting a total of 45,498 women.
Addressing the gatherings, Hazarika said the flagship initiative, envisioned by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, is aimed at empowering economically weaker women by helping them establish sustainable livelihoods and become active contributors to Assam's economy. He said welfare schemes such as MMUA, Nijut Moina and Orunodoi have strengthened women's financial security through education support, direct financial assistance and seed capital for micro-enterprises.
The minister urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the initial ₹10,000 assistance to start income-generating ventures, enabling them to qualify for the subsequent instalments of ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 under the scheme.
Highlighting the role of women in economic development, Hazarika said higher female workforce participation has been a key factor in the progress of developed nations and encouraged Assamese women to take full advantage of government initiatives to become financially independent.
Calling for the accelerated development of the Nagaon parliamentary constituency, the minister appealed to the public to continue supporting the Central and State governments to ensure faster progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare and women's empowerment. He also urged voters to elect responsible public representatives so that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach every section of society.
Barhampur MLA Jitu Goswami and Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Devasish Sharma were among those present at the programmes.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
