GUWAHATI: The Assam government has launched the "Lakhpati Baideo" scheme, aiming to empower 40 lakh self-help group (SHG) workers to become rural micro-entrepreneurs.
The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on X, who emphasised the goal of enabling women workers to achieve an annual income of ₹1 lakh through the scheme.
The "Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan," estimated to cost ₹4,000 crore, will provide financial assistance of ₹35,000 to each of the 40 lakh women beneficiaries.
The assistance will be disbursed over three years, with ₹10,000 in the first year and ₹25,000 in the subsequent two years, comprising ₹12,500 from the government and ₹12,500 as a bank loan.
To avail of the scheme, participants must submit a business plan, ensuring a structured approach to their entrepreneurial ventures.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the scheme's alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating 2 crore 'Lakhpati didis' (women millionaires).
Furthermore, the initiative is integrated with Assam's population control measures, with Chief Minister Sarma stating, "All our welfare schemes will be linked to population control measures for the benefit of our mothers and sisters."
The eligibility criteria for beneficiaries include restrictions on the number of children based on caste categories. Those belonging to the general and OBC categories should not have more than three children, while individuals from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes should not have more than four children.
Additionally, SHG members must enroll their girl child in school, and if underage, they should sign an undertaking to do so. The third precondition necessitates the survival of trees planted under the Amrit Brikshya Andolan by the beneficiaries.