In a major push for women’s empowerment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched the distribution of seed capital under the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan in Hojai Assembly constituency. At a ceremonial programme, 31,910 women belonging to self-help groups (SHGs) received cheques of ₹10,000 each, amounting to nearly ₹32 crore.
The beneficiaries are engaged in diverse livelihood activities such as goat rearing, dairy farming, paddy cultivation, poultry, handicrafts, piggery, and fisheries. Speaking at the event, Sarma said that empowering women was central to Assam’s journey towards prosperity. “When we empower women, we empower society. Our government has taken up this mission to make women self-reliant so that they can become equal partners in Assam’s progress,” the chief minister said.
He expressed confidence that the seed capital would help women entrepreneurs expand their ventures and contribute significantly to the rural economy. “This initiative will give a new dimension to women’s empowerment in Assam,” he added. The chief minister also announced additional welfare measures. From September, beneficiaries of the Orunodoi scheme will receive an extra subsidy of ₹250 on LPG cylinders. Beginning November next year, ration card holders will be able to buy rice, sugar, and salt at affordable prices.
