Empowering Women: Assam's Landmark Initiative with Jeevika Sakhis for PMAY-G

Assam has launched a pioneering initiative involving Jeevika Sakhis, women from self-help groups, for geo-tagging beneficiaries under the PMAY-G housing scheme. The program aims to optimize beneficiary identification and ensure efficient house allotment. Additionally, a women's empowerment scheme offers loans to women SHG members to boost economic independence.

In a pioneering step, the Assam government is mobilizing women from self-help groups, known as Jeevika Sakhis, to undertake geo-tagging of beneficiaries for house allotments under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This initiative, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks Assam as the first state in India to implement such an approach.

Under this program, Jeevika Sakhis from nearby villages will be tasked with identifying 'kutcha' houses for geo-tagging. This data will be uploaded for thorough verification to ensure rightful beneficiaries receive their PMAY-G houses. A dual survey involving Jeevika Sakhis and individual self-geo-tagging by residents forms the cornerstone of this transparent process.

Complementing this initiative is the Chief Minister's Mahila Udyamita Scheme, which will grant loans to women's SHGs. Funding will start with Rs 10,000 in the first year and grow to Rs 85,000 over three years, blending government aid with bank loans, thereby fueling women's empowerment and economic growth in Assam.

(With inputs from agencies.)