Pankaj Nath, Assam: Assam’s Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Parliamentary Affairs Pijush Hazarika today attended two major public meetings in Rupahihat and Samaguri assembly constituencies in Nagaon district, Assam where he ceremonially distributed MMUA cheques of Rs 10,000 to 19,840 and 25,658 women beneficiaries respectively under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA).
Speaking at the programmes, the Minister said that this landmark scheme, envisioned by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has empowered underprivileged women to build sustainable livelihoods and actively contribute to the economic growth of the state. He highlighted that transformational schemes like MMUA, Nijut Moina, and Orunodoi have ensured a dignified life for women in society by providing them access to free education, seed capital for setting up micro-enterprises and direct financial support. Reiterating the State Government’s firm commitment to developing all regions and all sections of society equally without discrimination, Minister Hazarika stressed the importance of properly utilizing the initial Rs 10,000 seed capital.
He urged all beneficiary women to leverage this financial aid effectively to set up their ventures, ensuring their eligibility to receive Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 in the subsequent tranches under the scheme. Citing the example of developed nations across the world where female workforce participation is significantly higher, he called upon women to take full advantage of these initiatives to empower themselves economically and contribute in a bigger way to Assam’s economy. Underlining the need to accelerate the growth of the Nagaon parliamentary constituency, Minister Hazarika urged the public to support the present Central and State governments so that all-round development across infrastructure, education, health, and women empowerment can be ushered in at a much faster pace. He also called upon the citizens to choose public representatives carefully to ensure that the people can derive maximum benefits from government initiatives. Barhampur MLA Jitu Goswami and Nagaon District Commissioner Debasish Sharma were among the key dignitaries present at both meetings.
