Pankaj Nath, Assam: The Ceremonial Distribution of Grant-in-Aid Financial Assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), organised by the District Mission Management Unit (DMMU), Kamrup, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), on Wednesday at the Auditorium Hall of Biotech Park, Amingaon. Under the PM-AJAY scheme, grant-in-aid financial assistance was distributed to eligible beneficiaries.
In Kamrup district, 150 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and three individual SHG members received financial assistance under the scheme. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kulashree Nath, Secretary and Director, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, highlighted that PM-AJAY is a significant initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at the socio economic upliftment of the Scheduled Caste community. She stated that the scheme promotes skill development, employment generation and entrepreneurship while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries. She informed that eligible beneficiaries receive a capital subsidy of 50 per cent of the project cost, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000, enabling them to establish income generating activities and become self reliant.
Addressing the gathering, Susanta Kumar Dutta, District Development Commissioner, Kamrup, said that the government has introduced several schemes and initiatives for the upliftment of the Scheduled Caste community. He emphasised that income generation and skill development must go hand in hand to ensure sustainable economic progress. Appreciating the efforts of the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), he said that the department has been playing an important role in empowering rural communities. He further encouraged all beneficiaries and SHG members to work with dedication, adding that small but consistent efforts by individuals can collectively strengthen the economy of both the district and the state.
An exhibition showcasing the products prepared by Self Help Groups was organised alongside the programme. Various line departments of Kamrup district also displayed their initiatives and welfare schemes for public awareness. The programme was attended by CEO, Kamrup Zila Parishad, Siddhartha Goswami, District Social Welfare Officer Bhupen Bhattacharya, District Agriculture Officer Hitesh Bezbarua, District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer Narayan Deori, DPM ASRLM Sumit Prasad Das, departmental heads, SHG members and ASRLM officials.
