Guardian Minister of Barpeta and Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change etc. Chandra Mohan Patowary today distributed cheques to eligible members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) at a programme held in the Garala High School Field in Mandia, Barpeta.
A total of 5,736 SHG members from 174 Village Organisations (VOs) received benefits under the scheme today, including 1,141 members from Mandia LAC. The programme covered 26 Gram Panchayats within the Mandia and Kalgachia Development Blocks. Beneficiary lists were finalised following comprehensive field verification at the Block level by the Block Level Scrutiny Committee (BLSC) and approved by the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC). The State Mission Management Unit (SMMU) ensured the prompt transfer of funds directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, in line with the ceremonial cheque distribution.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Patowary reiterated the State Government’s sustained commitment to broadening livelihood opportunities for women and fostering rural entrepreneurship across Assam. He noted that initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan are designed not only to provide financial support but also to equip women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to manage and grow their own enterprises. He expressed confidence that the scheme would lead to economic empowerment for women, strengthen their role in household and community decision-making, and encourage greater participation in both social and economic spheres, thus contributing to inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
The event was attended by District Commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha, Chief Executive Officer of the Barpeta Zilla Parishad Diganta Baishya, officials from the Barpeta district administration, representatives of the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), members of various Village Organisations, and other dignitaries.