Guwahati, July 18: The Assam government’s flagship self-employment initiative, the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA), has come under focus after a performance review found that only about half of the beneficiaries selected in the scheme’s first phase had effectively utilised the financial assistance provided to them.
Addressing a press conference at Janata Bhawan on Friday, Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah said that out of 25,277 beneficiaries selected under CMAAA 1.0 in 2023, only 12,976 had qualified for the next round of financial assistance following a comprehensive assessment.
Borah said the beneficiaries were evaluated on the basis of efficiency and eligibility. Those who did not qualify would undergo a fresh reassessment before any decision is taken regarding further assistance.
According to the minister, the first phase of the scheme covered 25,277 beneficiaries, including 221 under the professional category comprising doctors, engineers, pharmacists, chartered accountants, MBA graduates and other qualified professionals. The remaining beneficiaries were selected under the non-professional category.
Under the scheme, non-professional beneficiaries received Rs 1 lakh each as the first instalment to establish their enterprises, while beneficiaries in the professional category were provided Rs 2.5 lakh.
Borah said the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, launched on September 23, 2023, was designed to promote entrepreneurship among the state’s youth, encourage self-reliance and generate employment through sustainable business ventures. He said the initiative seeks to strengthen Assam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing financial assistance and institutional support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Referring to the review findings, the minister said the scheme’s objectives could only be achieved if beneficiaries used the financial assistance responsibly to build viable enterprises. He urged recipients to make proper use of the funds and implement their business plans effectively.
Borah also warned against the misuse of government assistance, stating that beneficiaries found to have failed in utilising the funds for the intended purpose could be removed from Bihu committees. He added that banks would consider extending subsidies and additional financial support only after beneficiaries demonstrated measurable progress in their enterprises.
