Bihali (Assam), 1 April (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched the Chief Minister Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in Bihali. The scheme has been launched with the aim of accelerating the comprehensive empowerment of women of the state. In the first phase, 27,04,161 women of self-help groups have been selected. Fulfilling his election promise, Dr. Sarma provided financial assistance of ₹10,000 directly to 23,375 women, thereby initiating the socio-economic transformation of rural women.

Assam BJP Chief Spokesperson Manoj Baruah said that this initiative is not limited to only financial assistance, but it is an important step towards making rural women an empowered economic partner by freeing them from the shackles of poverty and dependency. The scheme is set to redefine the socio-economic structure of the state by providing women the necessary resources and opportunities to participate in entrepreneurship and make significant contributions to the state's economy.

Under the scheme, initially, women will be given financial assistance of ₹ 10,000 to start or expand their small businesses. In the second phase, women who properly utilise the first phase funds will get additional government assistance of ₹ 12,500 and a bank loan of ₹ 12,500, making a total assistance of ₹ 25,000. This amount can be increased to ₹ 50,000 in the coming years.

Baruah said the scheme will play a key role in diversifying the rural economy. It will help women entrepreneurs set foot in sectors such as micro enterprises, agriculture, animal husbandry, handloom and handicrafts. The initiative aims to establish women as a strong economic force in Assam's production-based economy.

In the end, Barua praised the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that this scheme is not just a financial aid but an important medium for self-reliance and economic empowerment of women.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash