Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today ceremonially launched the distribution of cheques to 31,224 members of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan in Dhekiajuli constituency. The initiative covers 29,523 women from rural areas and 1,701 from urban areas. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma said Assam has nearly 4 lakh SHGs with around 40 lakh women members. Of these, about 8.5 lakh women have already become ‘Lakhpati Baideus’, earning over ₹1 lakh annually, with many rising further as ‘Maha Lakhpati Baideus’, generating up to ₹10 lakh every year. He noted that earlier women were burdened by high-interest loans from microfinance institutions. With the government’s revolving fund of ₹25,000, SHGs are now able to undertake productive activities smoothly, achieving a 99% repayment rate on bank loans. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with sustained support, the remaining 32 lakh SHG members can also transform into ‘Lakhpati Baideus’. Dr. Sarma urged beneficiaries to use the ₹10,000 seed capital for income-generating activities such as dairy farming, beekeeping, food processing, or family enterprises. He explained that beneficiaries who invest productively this year will qualify for ₹25,000 next year with bank support, followed by ₹50,000 in the next phase. The scheme will involve an expenditure of ₹4,000 crore this year, rising to ₹10,000 crore and ₹25,000 crore in subsequent stages. Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister recalled initiatives to curb child marriage and schemes like Nijut Moina. He further announced that from September 17, under Orunodoi 3.0, women beneficiaries will receive ₹1,250 monthly assistance, with an additional ₹250 LPG subsidy. From November 1, ration card holders will also get pulses, sugar, and salt at subsidised rates along with rice. Health Minister Ashok Singhal, MP Ranjit Dutta, MLAs Ganesh Limbu and Prithviraj Rabha, senior officials, and dignitaries attended the programme.
