NALBARI, Aug 22: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the second phase of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMMUA) in Nalbari, reaffirming the state government's commitment to promoting women-led entrepreneurship and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The programme was formally launched with the distribution of seed funds of ₹10,000 each to eligible members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The financial assistance is intended to help women expand or establish income-generating activities in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, handloom, weaving, food processing, and other small enterprises.
The second phase of the flagship initiative will be implemented across 15 districts between August 22 and September 28, benefiting more than 30 lakh women associated with SHGs throughout Assam. The scheme is one of the state's largest women empowerment programmes and aims to transform SHG members into successful entrepreneurs capable of generating sustainable household incomes.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma outlined the government's long-term vision of creating 35 lakh women entrepreneurs, each earning an annual income of more than ₹1 lakh. He said the initiative is designed as a three-year programme under which every eligible beneficiary will receive ₹85,000 in phased financial assistance.
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Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive ₹10,000 in the first year, followed by ₹25,000 in the second year, and ₹50,000 in the third year, subject to meeting prescribed eligibility and performance criteria. The phased assistance is intended to encourage entrepreneurship while ensuring sustainable business growth.
"Mahila Udyamita Yojana has the potential to eradicate poverty in Assam by empowering women-led entrepreneurship," the Chief Minister said, adding that economically empowered women would play a crucial role in the state's overall development.
The government believes the programme will strengthen Self Help Groups, create local employment opportunities, enhance rural economic activity, and promote inclusive growth across Assam by enabling women to become financially independent and active contributors to the state's economy.
