Assam’s Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Minister, Bimal Borah, announced the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan aimed at fostering a strong entrepreneurship environment in the state. The initiative, inaugurated on September 23, 2023, focuses on empowering unemployed youth to become successful entrepreneurs through a mix of financial aid, skill enhancement, and business mentorship.
In its initial phase, the scheme provided financial support to over 25,000 individuals from the general category and more than 200 professionals, including doctors, engineers, pharmacists, chartered accountants, and MBA graduates. Following this, the state government conducted thorough field assessments with the help of nearly 100 Chief Minister’s Fellows to gauge the progress of the beneficiaries and identify areas needing further guidance.
After the assessment, approximately 12,331 entrepreneurs were deemed eligible for the next round of financial assistance. The government has now selected 74,694 beneficiaries for the second phase, with 74,350 falling under the general category and 344 being professionals. All selected beneficiaries have already received the initial installment of Rs 75,000 to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.
District-level entrepreneurship development programs are currently underway in Assam, offering tailored training to participants based on their business proposals. Various departments are providing sector-specific skills training, including in agriculture and handloom, along with sessions on financial management and business operations. The training programs are set to conclude by July 31, with eligible beneficiaries expected to receive the remaining financial aid upon successful completion.
This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to fostering self-employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods across Assam, reflecting a long-term strategy to boost entrepreneurship in the region.
