Guwahati, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on September 17 that over ₹278 crore has been distributed to young entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s Self-Reliant Assam Campaign (CMAAA) phases 1.0 and 2.0. This initiative aims to bolster youth entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance in the state.
Speaking at the financial aid distribution ceremony held at the Jyoti-Bishnu International Art Temple in Khanapara, Guwahati, Sarma emphasized that the program is not just about providing financial assistance but also about motivating young people to start their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.
Under this scheme, beneficiaries from the general category receive ₹2 lakh each, which includes a 50% grant and a 50% interest-free loan. Professional category entrepreneurs are eligible for ₹5 lakh, following the same funding model.
According to program details, a total of 82,219 entrepreneurs are involved in CMAAA 1.0 and 2.0. In the first phase, there were 9,552 beneficiaries in the general category and 26 in the professional category. The second phase saw 72,447 general category beneficiaries and 194 professionals.
The government allocated over ₹196 crore for CMAAA 1.0 and more than ₹182 crore for CMAAA 2.0. Sarma noted that initially, young beneficiaries adopting entrepreneurship received ₹75,000, followed by an additional ₹25,000 in subsequent phases. However, many did not meet the necessary qualification criteria for further assistance. Out of approximately 13,000 beneficiaries, around 9,552 fulfilled the requirements, while nearly 4,000 did not qualify.
The Chief Minister attributed some failures to beneficiaries taking up jobs and abandoning their businesses. The initiative also includes skill development training and marketing support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and enhance their chances of long-term sustainability.
The event was attended by Bimal Borah, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Public Enterprises, along with officials and participating entrepreneurs.
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