Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on January 16, announced a significant allocation of ₹2,000 crore to implement key initiatives aimed at women empowerment and infrastructure development in the state. The announcement followed a Cabinet meeting where the government finalized guidelines for several transformative schemes.
Highlighting the flagship initiative for women’s financial empowerment, the Chief Minister revealed that ₹10,000 will be provided to each of the 27 lakh women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the first phase. In subsequent phases, members will receive ₹25,000 with government and bank assistance, and up to ₹50,000 through bank linkages. This progressive scheme is designed to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence among women in Assam.
In addition to the SHG initiative, the Cabinet approved ₹70 crore for the construction of a road connecting Balimukh to Sildubi via Bhuragaon and sanctioned ₹55 crore for the development of an advanced drainage system for Morigaon Town, addressing long-standing civic issues in the region.
The meeting also featured a groundbreaking decision to provide zero-premium insurance coverage for over four lakh state government employees. The Assam government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) to implement the scheme.
Under this arrangement, permanent or regular employees will benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage, including ₹10 lakh for Term Life Insurance, ₹1 crore for accidental death, up to ₹1 crore for Permanent Total Disability, and ₹2 crore for Air Accident Insurance. Employees will also have access to affordable health insurance options through these banks.
To facilitate seamless implementation, employees can submit applications at the nearest branches of empanelled banks where their salary accounts are maintained. This initiative ensures that public servants and their families are safeguarded financially, furthering the state government’s commitment to welfare and inclusivity.
The approvals reflect Assam’s focused approach towards economic development, empowerment of women, and improving the welfare of its workforce, aligning with the government’s vision for a prosperous and progressive state.
Read More: Guwahati Gears Up for Inaugural Asian Film Festival 2025