Assam CM Distributes ₹32 Crore Seed Capital to 31,910 Women Entrepreneurs in Hojai

In a significant step toward women’s empowerment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the distribution of seed capital under the Chief Minister’s Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan in Hojai Assembly constituency on Tuesday. This initiative is aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs across the state, fostering self-reliance, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

During the ceremonial event, 31,910 women from self-help groups (SHGs) received cheques of ₹10,000 each, totaling nearly ₹32 crore. The beneficiaries are engaged in a wide range of livelihood activities, including goat rearing, dairy farming, paddy cultivation, poultry farming, handicrafts, piggery, and fisheries. The initiative is designed to provide women with the initial financial support needed to grow their ventures, enhance income generation, and strengthen their economic independence.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that women’s empowerment is central to Assam’s broader developmental agenda. He stated, “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.” Sarma expressed confidence that the seed capital would help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses, generate employment, and contribute significantly to the rural economy. He highlighted that the programme would provide a “new dimension” to women’s empowerment in Assam.

In addition to the seed capital distribution, Sarma announced several welfare measures aimed at supporting women and households. From September, beneficiaries of the Orunodoi scheme will receive an additional subsidy of ₹250 on LPG cylinders. Moreover, starting November of the following year, ration card holders will have the opportunity to purchase essential commodities such as rice, sugar, and salt at subsidized prices. These measures are intended to alleviate financial burdens on families while complementing women-led entrepreneurial initiatives.

The Chief Minister urged women to use the initial assistance productively, noting that those who successfully utilize the seed capital would become eligible for further financial support—₹25,000 in the next stage and ₹50,000 thereafter. He highlighted that out of Assam’s 40 lakh women, 10 lakh have already achieved significant financial success, becoming lakhpatis. Schemes like the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan are expected to create many more such success stories, fostering women’s participation in the state’s economic development.

The Hojai seed capital distribution drive is part of a larger state-level mission in which the government aims to disburse ₹3,200 crore to women entrepreneurs across Assam. The programme underlines the state government’s commitment to promoting women-led growth at the grassroots level and ultimately achieving a self-reliant Assam through inclusive economic empowerment.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries and officials, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Ramkrishna Ghosh and Shibu Mishra, Assam Linguistic Minority Development Board Chairman Shiladitya Deb, Hojai Zila Parishad Chairperson Junti Bora, Hojai Municipality Board Chairperson Chaturthi Rani Biswas, and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Director Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi, along with the Deputy Commissioner, senior government officials, and local leaders. Their presence underscored the significance of the initiative and the state government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.

Overall, the event marked a major milestone in Assam’s efforts to promote women’s economic independence, strengthen rural livelihoods, and foster inclusive development through targeted financial and welfare interventions.