Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commended 200 aspiring women entrepreneurs who finished professional training in the hospitality sector under the state’s Lakhpati Didi initiative. Sarma highlighted the initiative’s focus on nurturing women’s skills and entrepreneurship, beyond just providing financial aid. The program aims to empower women in Assam by equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to establish and manage their own businesses.
The training program included practical exposure to various aspects of the hospitality industry such as food preparation, hygiene standards, kitchen management, and customer service. Participants are now prepared to operate canteens and other food-based enterprises professionally. The Lakhpati Didi initiative seeks to transform members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into successful entrepreneurs with a minimum annual income of Rs 1 lakh, offering them financial support, access to credit, skill development, market linkages, and specialized training.
The Assam government has integrated the Lakhpati Didi program with other livelihood initiatives like ASOMI Rongali Canteens to promote women-led enterprises in sectors such as food services, agriculture, handicrafts, and rural industries. This move is part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance rural entrepreneurship, boost household incomes, and increase women’s participation in the economic growth of Assam.
