Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Encourages Women’s Empowerment with NEDFi Partnership
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) to join forces with the Assam government to enhance women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship through micro-lending facilities. Speaking at the 29th foundation day celebration of NEDFi at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, Dr. Sarma emphasized the potential of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme.
Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme
Under Phase I of the scheme, the government will provide Rs. 10,000 as seed fund to women beneficiaries in the first year. In Phase II, successful women entrepreneurs will receive Rs. 25,000 in the second year, with Rs. 12,500 as a bank loan and the remaining amount granted by the state government. Dr. Sarma encouraged NEDFi to partner with the government in providing these loans.
Success of NEDFi’s Micro-Lending Scheme
Dr. Sarma praised NEDFi’s micro-lending scheme, launched in 2022, which has benefited 10,891 entrepreneurs. He also launched a Digital Mobile App for the scheme, aimed at supporting small enterprises and entrepreneurs in the North East region.
Recognition and Future Goals
The Chief Minister thanked NEDFi for its role in assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises in setting up industrial and infrastructure projects in the North East. He expressed hope that NEDFi will continue to enhance business opportunities in the region. During the event, Dr. Sarma also felicitated Padma Shri Awardees Sarbeswar Basumatary from Assam and Moirangthem Muktamani Devi from Manipur. Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, CMD NEDFi PVSLN Murty, and other dignitaries were present at the occasion.
Doubts Revealed
Assam CM -: Assam CM stands for Assam Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the Indian state of Assam.
Himanta Biswa Sarma -: Himanta Biswa Sarma is the current Chief Minister of Assam, a state in northeastern India.
Women’s Empowerment -: Women’s Empowerment means giving women the power and opportunities to make their own decisions and be independent.
NEDFi -: NEDFi stands for North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited. It is an organization that helps businesses in the northeastern part of India by providing financial support.
Micro-lending -: Micro-lending is giving small loans to people, especially those who do not have access to traditional banking services, to help them start or grow small businesses.
Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme -: The Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme is a program started by the Assam government to provide financial help to women who want to start their own businesses.
Seed funds -: Seed funds are the initial money given to start a new business or project.
Entrepreneurs -: Entrepreneurs are people who start and run their own businesses.
Digital app -: A digital app is a software application that you can use on your smartphone or computer to perform various tasks.
Foundation day -: Foundation day is the anniversary of the day an organization was started.