In a major step towards strengthening women-led entrepreneurship in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed seed capital under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) to more than 33,000 women beneficiaries in the Boko–Chaygaon region.
The financial assistance, amounting to ₹10,000 per beneficiary, is aimed at enabling women to start new enterprises or expand existing income-generating activities. A total of 33,861 women entrepreneurs received the seed funds during the distribution programme, officials said.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the MMUA scheme has been designed to promote self-reliance and economic independence among women, particularly those associated with self-help groups (SHGs). He stated that empowering women economically is key to building a stronger and more inclusive Assam.
Under the MMUA initiative, beneficiaries are encouraged to invest the seed capital in small businesses such as agriculture-based activities, weaving, food processing, petty trade, and other local enterprises. The scheme also provides a structured pathway for beneficiaries to access higher financial assistance and institutional credit in subsequent phases, based on performance and sustainability.
Officials said the programme forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and enhance household incomes, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The MMUA scheme targets women who have demonstrated entrepreneurial potential and are keen to become self-employed.
Beneficiaries expressed confidence that the seed funding would help them reduce financial dependency and strengthen their livelihoods. Many said the assistance would enable them to scale up existing activities and create new income opportunities for their families.
The Assam government has indicated that similar fund distribution programmes under MMUA will be rolled out across other districts in the coming months, covering a larger number of women entrepreneurs statewide.
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