Empowering Assam's Women: Transforming SHGs into Lakhpati Didi

The Assam government will begin disbursing Rs 10,000 to each member of Self Help Groups from April 1 under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan. This initiative aims to empower 30 lakh women by boosting their income to Rs 1 lakh per annum, significantly impacting the state's economy.

The Assam government is set to launch a significant initiative under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan starting April 1, promising Rs 10,000 to each woman involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs). Ranjeet Kumar Dass, the state's Panchayat and Rural Development Minister, announced efforts to enhance the financial independence of 30 lakh women, dubbing them 'Lakhpati Didi' as their annual income aims to reach Rs 1 lakh.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on empowering sectors such as the poor, youth, women, and farmers, Dass stated that both the central government and Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, are committed to bringing these groups to the forefront. As per Dass, of the 40 lakh women in state SHGs, at least 30 lakh are targeted for this income elevation through the initiative, which promises a substantial contribution to the state's GDP.

Initiated from the Behali Assembly Constituency, the scheme outlines a phased financial strategy. In its initial phase, Rs 10,000 will be disbursed, followed by Rs 25,000 in the second phase—sourced as Rs 12,500 each from the state and bank loans. The third phase aims to provide Rs 50,000 to the women. The Assam state budget, as presented by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, earmarked Rs 3038 crore toward this scheme, aiming to support SHG members with additional entrepreneurial funds and facilitate further bank linkages.

(With inputs from agencies.)