GUWAHATI: The Assam government has said that nearly one lakh aspiring entrepreneurs have received support under the Chief Minister's Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan (CMAAA), with financial assistance, skill development and institutional support aimed at promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship across the state.
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Biman Borah, speaking with media in a press meet held on Friday, July 17, 99,971 beneficiaries have been covered under CMAAA 1.0 and CMAAA 2.0, making the flagship initiative one of the state's largest entrepreneurship promotion programmes since its launch on September 23, 2023.
Under CMAAA 1.0, a total of 25,277 beneficiaries received the first instalment of financial assistance, including 25,056 general category and 221 professional category beneficiaries. Of these, 12,976 entrepreneurs have also been sanctioned the second instalment as an interest-free loan based on their business performance and eligibility, while the remaining beneficiaries will be reassessed in phases.
The state government said eligibility for the second instalment is determined through parameters such as financial performance, maintenance of business records, employment generation and productivity.
Meanwhile, 74,694 beneficiaries have been covered under CMAAA 2.0, including 74,144 general category, 206 professional category beneficiaries and 344 OBB teachers, who have each received a one-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh.
Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training for all beneficiaries under the second phase is currently underway across Assam and is expected to conclude by July 31. While 75 per cent of the approved financial assistance has already been released, the remaining 25 per cent will be disbursed after successful completion of the training programme.
The government also revealed that 1,325 beneficiaries have applied for institutional loans under central government-backed schemes, including PMEGP, PMFME and PM MUDRA, with 329 applicants already securing loans through these programmes.
Industries Minister Bimal Borah said linking CMAAA beneficiaries with institutional credit is essential for helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create more employment opportunities. He urged banks to prioritise such proposals and ensure effective coordination for faster implementation.
To provide continued support to entrepreneurs, the government has also deployed 126 Chief Minister's Fellows, who are assisting beneficiaries through mentoring and handholding. The fellows will also receive a diploma under Gauhati University after successfully completing their fellowship programme.
The government said the initiative is focused on creating a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem by combining financial assistance, skill development and continuous mentoring, with the larger goal of transforming job seekers into job creators and strengthening Assam's economy.