On Sunday, the Assam government launched a microfinance loan forgiveness initiative to help 24 lakh women in the state. At Collegiate HS School in Tezpur, Sonitpur district, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme, 2021
During the occasion, Himanta Biswa Sarma ceremonially delivered Rs 25,000 checks to five woman recipients. According to the chief minister, each of the 24 lakh lady beneficiaries, including 59,468 in Sonitpur district, will get between Rs 16,000 and Rs 25,000. He went on to say that the state government will invest Rs 3000 crore in the first phase to offer assistance to the state's 11 lakh microfinance borrowers who are making regular payments to the banks.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also said that “We want to encourage those 11 lakh women who are making regular payments to the banks. We will give them up to Rs 25,000."
He also continued on to say that,"During the last assembly poll in the state, we gave a commitment to the microfinance borrowers to give relief to them and we have been able to fulfil that commitment within just six months after forming the government. It will give a big relief to the poor women of the state”.
Earlier, the chief minister stated that his administration will invest Rs 4000 crore in the second phase to offer assistance to women who are seeking a total waiver and are unable to make bank payments. During the programme, he also reiterated that his government is now working to provide 1 lakh jobs by May 10 next year.
The Assam CM also said that “I reiterate that our government is also committed to providing one lakh jobs by 10 May 2022 and creating an additional 5,000 beneficiaries of Orunodoi in each assembly constituency besides increasing the benefit amount periodically”.
