Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday launched the distribution of seed capital cheques under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan for women beneficiaries across Hailakandi and Dholai Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) in the Barak Valley.
A total of 17,774 beneficiaries from Hailakandi LAC and 20,045 from Dholai LAC each received cheques of Rs 10,000 under the initiative, aimed at ensuring sustainable economic empowerment for women in Assam.
Speaking at the Hailakandi distribution event, the Chief Minister noted that cheque distribution has already been completed in 50 constituencies in the past two months, benefiting 12 lakh women across the State.
He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform three crore women into “Lakhpati Didis,” stating the State Government aims to transform 40 lakh women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into “Lakhpati Baideus” (elder sisters).
CM Sarma urged beneficiaries to make the best use of the initial Rs 10,000 seed fund, explaining that depositing it in their SHGs could create a working capital of Rs 1 lakh for enterprises or business expansion.
Following a six-month assessment of fund utilisation, beneficiaries will be eligible for subsequent support of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000. Eligibility for these subsequent benefits is restricted to beneficiaries with up to three children. The CM also announced that under Orunodoi 3.0, two to three thousand new beneficiaries will be included from Hailakandi LAC. Furthermore, from January 1, ration card holders will be able to purchase dal, salt and sugar at Rs. 100 per kg, a reduction from the existing Rs 117.
On development, CM Sarma announced the installation of an MRI machine at Hailakandi Civil Hospital and directed the District Commissioner to identify land for a medical college.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the statue of Bharat Kesari Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee on Puranibazar Road, Hailakandi.
