Hyderabad, April 2, 2025— In a transformative move aimed at fostering economic independence and catalyzing micro-level entrepreneurship, the Assam government has launched its most ambitious initiative yet—the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Campaign). Unveiled on April 1, 2025, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this scheme is being hailed as Assam’s biggest women entrepreneurship support program, set to benefit approximately 30 lakh women across the state. With an initial disbursement of ₹10,000 as seed capital to each eligible beneficiary, the scheme promises to reshape the rural economy by empowering nano-entrepreneurs—small-scale businesswomen operating at the grassroots level.
The launch event, held in Behali constituency, saw the distribution of the first tranche of payments to 23,375 women, marking the beginning of what the state government describes as a multi-phase journey toward financial empowerment. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the scheme’s potential to diversify Assam’s rural economy, stating, “With the blessings of our mothers and sisters, we are providing ₹10,000 as seed capital to boost self-employment opportunities. This initiative is designed to integrate women into Assam’s production-driven economy, transforming them into formidable economic agents of change.”
A Three-Stage Financial Support Framework
The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan operates on a structured, three-year financial assistance model aimed at ensuring sustainable growth for its beneficiaries. In the first year, each eligible woman receives ₹10,000 as seed capital to kickstart her entrepreneurial venture. After one year, government officials will conduct inspections to assess how the funds have been utilized. Those who demonstrate productive use of the initial amount will qualify for ₹25,000 in the second year—comprising ₹12,500 as a bank loan and ₹12,500 as a government grant. Notably, the government will cover the interest on the loan, requiring beneficiaries only to repay the principal amount. In the third year, women who successfully scale their ventures will receive an additional ₹50,000 as a government grant, bringing the total support to ₹85,000 over three years.
This phased approach is strategically designed to encourage accountability and sustainable business practices while providing nano-entrepreneurs with the resources to grow incrementally. “Through this scheme, we aim to catalyze micro-level entrepreneurship across Assam,” Sarma said, highlighting its potential to create a ripple effect in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, handlooms, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises.
Empowering Nano-Entrepreneurs: A Game-Changer for Rural Assam
Nano-entrepreneurs—individuals running small-scale, often home-based businesses with minimal capital—are the backbone of Assam’s rural economy. However, they frequently face challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of training, and inadequate market linkages. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan directly addresses these barriers, offering a lifeline to women who have historically been excluded from formal economic systems.
For nano-entrepreneurs, the initial ₹10,000 seed capital serves as a critical starting point. It can be used to purchase raw materials, tools, or livestock, or even to establish small retail or service-based ventures. For instance, a woman in a rural village could invest in a sewing machine to start a tailoring business, buy seeds and fertilizers for a small agricultural plot, or acquire poultry to launch a micro-farming operation. The flexibility of the scheme allows beneficiaries to tailor their investments to local needs and personal skills, fostering innovation at the grassroots level.
The second and third phases of funding further amplify this impact. The ₹25,000 in year two enables beneficiaries to scale their operations—perhaps by expanding inventory, upgrading equipment, or hiring additional help. The final ₹50,000 grant in year three provides a significant boost, potentially transforming nano-enterprises into sustainable micro-businesses capable of generating steady income. This progression not only ensures financial independence for women but also strengthens rural economies by increasing local production and consumption.
Broader Implications and Support Mechanisms
The scheme targets members of self-help groups (SHGs), with 2,704,161 women identified as beneficiaries in its first phase. Assam has a robust network of SHGs, and the government has already disbursed ₹1,090 crore to 2.17 lakh such groups under various programs. The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan builds on this foundation, offering individual support to women who wish to pursue entrepreneurial ventures alongside their group activities.
To enhance its effectiveness, the state has also strengthened an e-commerce platform to connect women entrepreneurs with broader markets. This digital infrastructure will enable nano-entrepreneurs to sell their products—be it handwoven textiles, organic produce, or handicrafts—beyond their immediate localities, tapping into regional and national demand. Such market access is a game-changer for rural women, many of whom lack the means to reach customers outside their villages.
A Vision for Women’s Empowerment
Chief Minister Sarma underscored the scheme’s alignment with a broader vision of women’s empowerment, noting that Assam has adopted a multi-layered strategy to support women at every stage of life—from free education and livelihood programs like Orunodoi to old-age pensions. “In every step, we are standing firm with our Nari Shakti,” he said. The scheme also aligns with national goals, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating 2 crore “Lakhpati Didis”—women earning ₹1 lakh annually—by providing a clear pathway to economic self-reliance.
For nano-entrepreneurs, the benefits extend beyond finances. The initiative instills confidence, encourages skill development, and challenges traditional gender roles, positioning women as key contributors to Assam’s economic growth. As the scheme unfolds, it promises to not only uplift 30 lakh women but also set a precedent for inclusive development across India.
With its launch on April 1, 2025, the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan marks a bold step toward a more equitable and prosperous Assam, where nano-entrepreneurs—armed with seed capital and ambition—can dream big and thrive.
