Assam Empowers Women with Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan: Financial Boost for SHG Members

The Assam government is set to begin disbursing Rs 10,000 to women in self-help groups starting April 1, under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan scheme. The initiative aims to empower women by offering seed capital for small ventures, progressing to higher financial aid in subsequent years.

In a significant move aimed at women's empowerment, the Assam government will commence the distribution of Rs 10,000 each to women in self-help groups from April 1, as confirmed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative, part of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, fulfills a pre-election promise ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The scheme is lauded as one of Assam's largest efforts to bolster women's economic independence. It will provide initial seed capital to help women launch small businesses across various sectors. 'We will provide Rs 10,000 in the first year to women participating in self-help groups,' Sarma announced.

Financial aid is set to increase in subsequent years, with Rs 25,000 in the second year, split equally between a bank loan and state funds, and Rs 50,000 in the third year. The scheme targets women with three or fewer children, whose daughters must be school attendees, and excludes those with prior bad bank loans. Beneficiaries will primarily come from ST, SC, tea tribes, and Moran and Motak communities.

Currently, out of 36 lakh women in SHGs, 29 lakh meet the eligibility criteria regarding the number of children. By March 31, a list of final beneficiaries will be prepared, expecting around 26-27 lakh women. The first batch of Rs 10,000 will be distributed to 23,000 eligible women in Behali Assembly Constituency. The initiative will eventually extend to other constituencies, with a projected budget allocation of Rs 3,038 crore for 2025-26.

(With inputs from agencies.)