Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 30 (ANI): In a significant move aimed at empowering the youth and fostering a self-reliant Assam, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday distributed the first installment of Rs 75,000 to 25,238 entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan (CMAAA) at the Veterinary College Field, Guwahati.
It may be noted that under this initiative, entrepreneurs with general qualifications would receive a total of Rs 2 lakh, of which Rs 1 lakh would be provided as a grant and the remaining Rs 1 lakh as a loan. Entrepreneurs with professional qualifications, such as those holding degrees in engineering or medicine, are eligible for Rs 5 lakh, with Rs 2.5 lakh as a grant and Rs 2.5 lakh as a loan.
In Monday’s distribution, 25,064 entrepreneurs with general qualifications and 147 with professional qualifications received the first instalment of Rs. 75,000. The beneficiaries represented a wide range of sectors, including 1,156 individuals engaged in agriculture and horticulture, 502 in fabrication or hardware businesses, 3,522 in aquaculture, 4,855 in services and other miscellaneous sectors, 326 in packaging, 21 in bamboo and other plant species cultivation, 10,321 in poultry and livestock farming, 1,015 in garment manufacturing, 654 in self-employment through vocational education, 2,509 in the paper and stationery business, and 163 in wood-based furniture enterprises.
The funds disbursed under this scheme are aimed at helping these entrepreneurs take their first significant steps towards self-employment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises. He stated that the present state government had pledged to provide 1 lakh government jobs, a promise that has been successfully fulfilled with the recruitment of 1 lakh candidates. Furthermore, the state government has gone beyond this pledge by providing an additional 40,000 government jobs.
He mentioned the successful completion of several recruitment drives, including the Assam Direct Recruitment Exam, teacher recruitment, and ongoing police recruitment, all of which have boosted the morale of the state’s youth.
Emphasising transparency, CM Sarma noted that each recruitment process has been conducted without any malpractices, thereby instilling trust in the system. He shared that the state government has eradicated corruption in recruitment, from Anganwadi workers to ASHA workers, as well as in the Assam Public Service Commission. The Assam Direct Recruitment Exam, in particular, has set new standards by allowing candidates to take home their question papers and providing the option of accessing OMR sheets for verification.
According to the CM, Assam is leaving behind an era of corruption and negativity, and is now on the path to peace, stability, and development.
CM Sarma also spoke about the efforts undertaken by the present state government to create an environment conducive to public sector recruitment and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted the recent establishment of a semiconductor manufacturing unit in Jagiroad, underscoring the state’s push for industrial development.
Speaking about the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan, the CM explained that entrepreneurs with general qualifications are required to repay only Rs 1 lakh out of the Rs 2 lakh they receive, in easy instalments over a period of five years, beginning three years after the receipt of funds. He further mentioned that the state government is organising district-level training programmes for the selected entrepreneurs to enhance their chances of success. Upon completion of the training, these entrepreneurs would receive the second installment of Rs 25,000 in November, with the final installment of Rs 1 lakh to be disbursed based on their progress. Those with professional qualifications would receive an additional Rs 4 lakh as part of the final installment.
Looking ahead, CM Sarma announced that on 5th October, the state government would launch a portal for the remaining 75,000 youths to apply for benefits under this scheme.
He expressed hope that once 1 lakh youths have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan, the next phase of the programme would extend similar benefits to another 1 lakh youths.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s Mudra Scheme, the CM encouraged the selected entrepreneurs to make effective use of the funds received under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan so that they may qualify for loans of up to Rs 20 lakh from banks at a later stage.
He added that financial institutions in the state have steadily increased the amount of loans provided to entrepreneurs, with banks disbursing Rs 29,000 crore in loans to micro and small enterprises by 31st March this year. Additionally, Rs 37,000 crore was disbursed to small and medium enterprises and businesses in the previous fiscal year.
Encouraging the youth to face adversities with resilience, CM Sarma reminded them that those who do not succumb to despair and continue to work towards their dreams are the ones who ultimately succeed. He remarked that while government jobs provide a stable income, they may not always allow individuals to achieve their full potential. On the contrary, entrepreneurship offers limitless possibilities for personal and professional growth.
In this context, the Chief Minister urged the selected entrepreneurs present at the event to aspire to become employers themselves, contributing to the larger vision of a self-sufficient Assam. (ANI)
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