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Assam's Lakhpati Baideu Mission: How 8 Lakh Women Achieved Financial Freedom

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a major push for women's financial independence. He distributed entrepreneurship fund cheques to over 55,000 women across two assembly constituencies. The initiative aims to transform women in self-help groups into 'Lakhpati Baideu' or wealthy sisters. The government plans to extend this success to all SHG members in Assam within three years.

Key Points: Assam CM Sarma Distributes Entrepreneurship Funds to Women in Baksa, Barpeta

  • CM Sarma distributed Rs 10,000 each to 30,737 women in Manas constituency
  • Another 25,157 women in Bhabanipur-Sarbhog received similar seed capital assistance
  • The program aims to create financially independent 'Lakhpati Baideu' from self-help groups
  • Beneficiaries can receive further grants of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 in later phases
  • The government will support women with training and credit linkage programs
  • Over 8 lakh of Assam's 40 lakh SHG women have already achieved Lakhpati status
2 min read

Assam CM distributes entrepreneurship fund cheques to women beneficiaries

Assam CM Himanta Sarma launches Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, distributing seed capital to over 55,000 women to become Lakhpati Baideu entrepreneurs.

"If 8 lakh women can become economically self-reliant, others can do so as well. Our goal is to make every SHG member in Assam a Lakhpati Baideu within the next three years. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Dec 30

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched the distribution of entrepreneurship fund cheques under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan for women beneficiaries of the Manas Assembly constituency in Baksa district and the Bhabanipur-Sarbhog Assembly constituency in Barpeta district, reaffirming that women's welfare and inclusive development remain the government's top priorities.

At a public programme held in Manas, the Chief Minister distributed Rs 10,000 each to 30,737 women entrepreneurs from the Manas constituency, while 25,157 women from the Bhabanipur-Sarbhog constituency received similar assistance later in the day.

The seed capital aims to enable women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) to become financially independent and emerge as Lakhpati Baideu.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma said Assam has nearly 40 lakh women linked to SHGs, of whom more than 8 lakh have already achieved Lakhpati Baideu status. "If 8 lakh women can become economically self-reliant, others can do so as well. Our goal is to make every SHG member in Assam a Lakhpati Baideu within the next three years," he said, adding that the government would support beneficiaries through training, credit linkage and phased financial assistance.

He explained that proper utilisation of the initial Rs 10,000 would make beneficiaries eligible for further assistance of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 in subsequent phases.

The Chief Minister also cited success stories from Manas and Bhabanipur-Sarbhog constituencies, highlighting women who have successfully expanded livelihoods and strengthened household incomes.

Highlighting other welfare measures, Sarma said ration card holders are currently receiving pulses, salt and sugar at subsidised rates, which will be further reduced from January 1. He added that the government is considering providing these essentials free of cost in the future.

Under Orunodoi 3.0, additional beneficiaries will be included to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Referring to broader development initiatives, the Chief Minister said Assam has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure, employment, healthcare and education. He noted that nearly 1.5 lakh youths have secured government jobs over the past five years through transparent, merit-based recruitment.

Several ministers, senior officials, public representatives and beneficiaries attended the programmes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good step, but distribution must be transparent. We often hear about funds not reaching the actual beneficiaries in some schemes. Hope there is a proper monitoring mechanism so that every rupee helps a woman become a true Lakhpati Baideu.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in development, I'm impressed by the phased approach (10k, then 25k, then 50k). It incentivizes proper utilization of the initial grant. The goal of making every SHG member a lakhpati in 3 years is ambitious. Hope they succeed!
A
Aman W
Along with funds, the government must ensure market access for products made by these entrepreneurs. Otherwise, the money might just be consumed for daily needs. Building sustainable value chains is crucial. Still, a positive start! 👍
M
Meera T
This is the real 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'—by making them financially independent. 8 lakh women already lakhpatis is no small feat. The subsidised ration and Orunodoi expansion are also welcome. When women prosper, the whole society prospers.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions 1.5 lakh govt jobs. That's good, but entrepreneurship is equally important for job creation. Empowering 40 lakh women in SHGs can create a massive economic ripple effect across Assam. Hope other states learn from this model.

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