Statue of Rani Abhayeswari Devi unveiled at Abhayapuri

CM distributes seed capital to 23,949 MMUA beneficiaries in Abhayapuri

Statue of Rani Abhayeswari Devi unveiled at Abhayapuri

Bongaigaon Medical College and Engineering College to be functional soon: CM

Women in Assam have emerged as driving force of household income: CM

Dispur, 22 November: Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched the distribution of seed capital cheques of Rs. 10,000 each to 23,949 women under the Mukhyamantrir Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) in Abhayapuri LAC. Of these beneficiaries, 22,641 are from rural areas and 1,308 from urban localities.

Speaking on the occasion in a programme held at the playground of Abhayeswari Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School, the Chief Minister said that with today’s event, women in 40 of Assam’s 126 constituencies have already received the first installment under the scheme.

The remaining constituencies will be covered shortly, he informed. He also expressed satisfaction that in places where the funds were earlier distributed in August and September, every beneficiary has used the amount responsibly, choosing constructive, income-generating activities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the goal of MMUA is not just to provide capital, but to help women become financially independent and confident to become “Lakhpati Baideo”. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of helping three crore women across India reach that milestone and said that the Assamese women’s industrious nature inspired the State to take this vision forward with conviction.

Explaining how the seed money can be used, he said that if the first installment of Rs. 10,000 is deposited in a self-help group, it can help build a collective capital of Rs. 1 lakh. This capital will allow women to start new ventures. Moreover, the beneficiaries can invest the capital individually or expand their existing family businesses, he said adding that after six months, the Government will assess progress and those who use the initial amount productively will receive additional support of Rs. 25,000 and then Rs. 50,000.

The Chief Minister encouraged the women of Abhayapuri to invest in activities that strengthen rural livelihoods such as goat rearing, poultry, dairy production, and piggery and urged them to avoid unproductive spending. He also shared inspiring stories of Jinuprava Barman, a member of Tarali SHG and Chandrama Devi of Nandini Seuj SHG of Bongaigaon district who became Lakhpati Baideo.

Highlighting the impact of schemes such as MMUA and Orunodoi, he said they have strengthened the dignity of women in society. Women, as the central pillars of their households, are now able to support their children’s education, contribute to family welfare, and stand on their own feet with pride, he said.

The Chief Minister informed that in Abhayapuri constituency alone, 29,683 beneficiaries have already received Orunodoi benefits and the inclusion of another 3,400 beneficiaries is in progress. Similarly, 2,772 female students have benefitted from the Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina scheme.

Under the Asom Mala scheme, major road projects including the Oudubi–Jogighopa–Bongaigaon road, the Talguri–Basugaon road, the Shahid Bedi–North Salmara Junction road and four new bridges are being taken up in the constituency. He also announced that the Bongaigaon Medical College and Engineering College will begin functioning very soon.

Underlining the success of Government initiatives like free admissions, Nijut Moina, distribution of cycles and scooters, Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Orunodoi, the Chief Minister said that the amount of old-age pension will be increased shortly, and a scheme similar to Nijut Moina for boys will begin from January. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to meaningful social reforms, including the upcoming legislation related to polygamy and the strong measures taken to stop child marriage.

The programme was attended by GAD Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, MP Phani Bhushan Choudhury, MLA Diptimoyee Choudhury, Abhayapuri Municipal Board Chairman Sushanta Poddar, Kamatapur Autonomous Council CEM Jibesh Roy, former MLA Bhupen Roy, social worker Ujjal Kanti Roy, ASRLM Mission Director Kuntalmoni Sarma Bordoloi, Bongaigaon District Commissioner Nabadeep Pathak, and officials of various departments.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister unveiled the statue of Rani Abhayeswari Devi on the premises of Abhayeswari Higher Secondary and Multipurpose School. Rani Abhayeswari Devi, a compassionate ruler of the historic Bijni royal family, is fondly remembered for her deep commitment to education and public welfare. She established schools, Sanskrit tols and temples, and actively encouraged the growth of music and dance.

Unveiling her statue at the school named in her honour, the Chief Minister paid heartfelt tribute to her legacy of service and enlightened leadership.