Guwahati: Women in rural municipal areas will be provided Rs. 10,000 each as an Entrepreneurship Fund under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan-Rural scheme. This initiative aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs across rural regions in Assam.
Business North East conducted an exclusive interview with State Mission Director of the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLMS) Nibedan Das Patowary to know the current status of Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.
Business North East: Please tell us about the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan scheme and its current status in Assam.
SMD: The Government of Assam has introduced the "Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan" scheme, with the primary objective of uplifting rural poor women who are active members of self-help groups (SHGs). The scheme provides these women with an initial installment of Rs. 10,000 to help them start or expand their trades and achieve economic self-reliance and become 'Lakhpati Didi'.
BNE: How many beneficiaries are involved with this initiative?
SMD: In Assam, we have a total of 39 lakh self-help group members registered under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission. The process of verifying the eligibility of these members is ongoing across the state. We have completed the first and second levels of verification in all 219 blocks. The first level was a table top exercise, and the second level involved physical verification to ensure that applicants are active SHG members. Now, the State Government has directed us to conduct a third verification by departments other than the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. This project of Rs.4000 crores.
BNE: Could you explain the eligibility criteria for women to apply for this scheme?
SMD: Certainly. The primary eligibility criteria are as follows:
1. The applicant must be an active member of an SHG registered under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission.
2. The applicant must have a bank account.
3. The applicant must not be a defaulter on any loans from financial institutions.
4. The applicant's household must have fewer than three children for general women, and not more than four for children SC/ST/OBC women.
BNE: Are educated women in rural areas also participating in this scheme?
SMD: Yes, absolutely. Among the 39 lakh SHG members, most are literate. Even those who didn't complete formal education can sign their names and manage their trades. These women are not just active SHG members but are also engaged in various economic activities within their communities. Most of them are literate.
BNE: Which districts are most active in this initiative?
SMD: It's difficult to pinpoint specific districts until the final verification is complete. However, all 35 districts in Assam have significant participation from SHG members.
BNE: What challenges have you faced while implementing this scheme?
SMD: One of the major challenges has been ensuring the authenticity of the applicants. Some applications were rejected because the women were not active SHG members, lacked a bank account, or had defaulted on loans. Additionally, the government mandates that children of applicants, especially girls, must attend school; otherwise, their applications are rejected.
BNE: How many people are involved in making this project successful?
SMD: Our vision includes all 39 lakh SHG members. We are hopeful that once the verification process is complete, all these members will receive the Rs. 10,000 incentive to enhance their economic activities.
BNE: Can you share any success stories from this scheme?
SMD: Certainly. Many SHG members have proven themselves as micro-entrepreneurs in their villages.
BNE: What are the sectors women are generally involved in?
SMD: They engage in various trades like dairy, poultry, and micro food processing. The Rs. 10,000 incentive will further motivate and support them in their entrepreneurial ventures.
BNE: What upcoming initiatives are being planned by the state as part of this project?
SMD: The initial phase involves providing Rs. 10,000 to each eligible SHG member. If they utilize this amount effectively, there will be subsequent phases with additional financial support and the State Government will announce future schemes in due course.
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