Assam intensifies self-employment initiatives for women ahead of elections

The BJP-led Assam government has stepped up the implementation of its flagship women’s self-employment programme, disbursing Rs. 10,000 as seed capital to self-help group members across all 35 districts, as it races to meet its expanded target of 40 lakh beneficiaries ahead of the next assembly elections.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that more than 15 lakh women have already received the financial assistance under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA). The scheme, launched on April 1 last year, initially aimed to cover 32 lakh women, but the target was later raised to 40 lakh. Official data show that around eight lakh beneficiaries have already achieved ‘Lakhpati’ status, boosting household incomes and stimulating the rural economy.


Following a cheque distribution programme at Bokakhat, where over 27,000 women received assistance, Sarma said the government was committed to transforming women into “Nari-preneurs”. In a post on X, he said the initiative was moving closer to its goal of creating 40 lakh ‘Lakhpati Baideos’.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries who successfully utilise the initial Rs. 10,000 support are eligible for a subsidised loan of Rs. 25,000. A third instalment of up to Rs. 50,000 is extended to women entrepreneurs who demonstrate business progress.

Sarma said the programme was helping Assam transition from being dependent on imports to becoming more self-reliant, adding that empowering women at scale would significantly strengthen the state’s economy.

The scheme has also acquired political significance. Last November, Sarma noted that Assam’s MMUA model had been adopted by the Bihar government. Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, provided Rs. 10,000 each to 75 lakh women through direct bank transfers. Sarma later described the initiative as a major factor in the NDA’s electoral success in Bihar.

Political observers said the timing of MMUA’s accelerated rollout is crucial, with elections approaching and women emerging as a decisive voting bloc. By positioning women as economic contributors, the government is seeking to build a broader empowerment narrative across rural and urban areas.

Earlier, during a seed capital distribution event in Golakganj in Dhubri district — an area considered an opposition stronghold — Sarma underscored the government’s intent to extend welfare schemes beyond traditional vote bases. Observers said the move reflected the BJP’s strategy to expand its footprint in politically challenging regions by leveraging welfare-driven outreach and projecting inclusivity.

(With inputs from TOI)