Himanta Sarma Distributes ₹131 Crore to Nearly 13,000 Assam Entrepreneurs

Guwahati, Mar 12: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday released the second instalment of financial support under the Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, distributing more than ₹131 crore among 12,976 entrepreneurs at an event in Khanapara.

Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister described the initiative as a major step towards encouraging young people in the state to create employment opportunities rather than depend solely on government jobs. He said several beneficiaries who received assistance in the first phase have already expanded their ventures and qualified for institutional credit, including support under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.

Sarma highlighted that nearly seven lakh youth enter the workforce in Assam every year, stressing the importance of generating diverse employment avenues. He noted that the state government has already provided around 1.6 lakh government jobs while simultaneously promoting entrepreneurship to address the growing demand for livelihoods.

Referring to the state’s economic growth, Sarma said Assam’s economy has expanded from ₹3.5 lakh crore to ₹8.5 lakh crore in the past five years. He added that upcoming projects, including the semiconductor facility at Jagiroad Semiconductor Facility and the fertiliser plant at Namrup Fertiliser Plant, are expected to further strengthen industrial development.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would share a portion of the interest burden on bank loans for entrepreneurs who effectively utilise the financial support provided under the scheme.

The event was attended by Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, several legislators and senior government officials.