GUWAHATI: The Assam government is working towards transforming 30 lakh women into successful entrepreneurs via Self Help Groups (SHGs), with a target of achieving an annual business turnover of Rs. 30,000 crore over the next decade. Led by the state’s Panchayat and Rural Development Department, this initiative seeks to empower women and make a substantial contribution to the state’s economic development.
Ranjeet Kumar Das, Assam’s Panchayat and Rural Development Minister, revealed that approximately 8.5 lakh women in the state are already earning Rs. 1 lakh annually through businesses led by Self Help Groups (SHGs). The government plans to increase this number to 30 lakh women, helping them become “Lakhpati Didis” (wealthy women).
Das highlighted that women’s empowerment is vital for the overall development of Assam. “With the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we are committed to creating opportunities for women to prosper,” he stated.
The roadmap outlines plans to provide Rs. 10,000 to each SHG member in the coming months, along with facilitating access to bank loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh. To support women entrepreneurs in their business operations, the government has already distributed 10,900 scooters and plans to distribute an additional 5,000 scooters next year.
The central government has provided significant financial support by allocating Rs. 1,577 crore in revolving funds and capital subsidies for women-led SHGs. In addition, the Assam government has introduced the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Yojana, releasing Rs. 445 crore to further enhance women’s economic empowerment.
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