Is Making Women Self-Reliant the Key to Empowering Society? Assam CM
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Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights the crucial role of women's empowerment in societal progress. The state government launches initiatives to foster self-reliance among women, including financial support for self-help groups. This drive aims to uplift the rural economy and create equal opportunities for women in Assam.
Key Takeaways
- Women’s empowerment is vital for societal development.
- Over 31,000 women have received seed capital for their businesses.
- Initiatives like these can significantly boost the rural economy.
- The government plans to allocate Rs 3,200 crore to support women entrepreneurs.
- Increased funding opportunities are available for successful utilizers of seed capital.
Guwahati, Sep 2 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized on Tuesday that the empowerment of a society is inherently linked to the empowerment of women. He assured that the state government is dedicated to fostering self-reliance among women through various initiatives.
During a ceremonial event, Sarma inaugurated the distribution of seed capital as part of the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan in the Hojai Assembly constituency. A total of 31,910 members of self-help groups were awarded cheques of Rs 10,000 each, summing up to nearly Rs 32 crore.
The recipients are involved in diverse livelihood activities such as goat rearing, dairy production, paddy cultivation, poultry farming, handicrafts, piggery, and fisheries.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister remarked that the empowerment of women is pivotal to achieving a thriving Assam. “By empowering a woman, we uplift the entire society. Our government is committed to making women self-reliant, ensuring they can participate equally in Assam’s developmental journey,” Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that this seed capital would allow them to enhance their enterprises and substantially contribute to the rural economy. “This initiative will introduce a new dimension to women's empowerment in Assam,” he added.
Sarma also highlighted a range of upcoming welfare programs. Starting in September, the government will provide an additional subsidy of Rs 250 per beneficiary for the purchase of LPG cylinders through the Arunodoi scheme. Beginning in November next year, ration card holders will also be able to procure rice, sugar, and salt at subsidized rates.
Encouraging women to optimally utilize the seed capital, the Chief Minister announced that those who effectively use the funds would qualify for increased assistance of Rs 25,000 and subsequently Rs 50,000. “Out of 40 lakh women in Assam, 10 lakh have already become lakhpatis. With initiatives like these, we aspire to witness many more success stories,” he remarked.
The distribution event in Hojai is part of a broader state initiative aimed at allocating Rs 3,200 crore to women entrepreneurs. CM Sarma reiterated that the ultimate objective is to transform Assam into a more self-reliant state by creating opportunities for women at the grassroots level.
Point of View
The initiatives led by Assam's government under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma represent a crucial step toward societal transformation. By focusing on women's empowerment, the state is not only addressing gender disparities but also fostering economic growth and resilience at the grassroots level. Such programs could serve as a model for other regions aiming for sustainable development.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan?
It is an initiative launched by the Assam government to empower women by providing them with financial assistance to start and grow their businesses.
How much financial assistance is provided under this initiative?
Each beneficiary receives a seed capital of Rs 10,000, with potential for increased support based on the productive use of funds.
What are some activities that beneficiaries are involved in?
Beneficiaries engage in various livelihood activities including goat rearing, dairy production, paddy cultivation, and handicrafts.
How does this initiative contribute to the economy?
By empowering women and supporting local businesses, this initiative aims to enhance the rural economy and create sustainable livelihoods.
What other welfare measures are being introduced?
Starting in September, beneficiaries will receive an additional subsidy for LPG cylinders, and ration card holders will gain access to subsidized food items.
