Guwahati, 15th October: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a gathering in Dibrugarh, made a significant announcement regarding microfinance loans in Assam.
He handed out certificates indicating that the government had paid off the principal amount of Rs 5,000 and the associated interest of Rs 4,000, totaling Rs 9,000, effectively clearing these loans.
Moreover, the Chief Minister assured beneficiaries that the government would address cases where individuals owed larger amounts to banks, which could go up to Rs 75,000.
He emphasized that funds needed to be allocated for this purpose, and the government would take care of these outstanding loans within a few months.
CM Sarma also conveyed that if any banks came seeking repayment, beneficiaries should inform them of the government’s commitment to clear loans of up to Rs 75,000.
He reassured the beneficiaries that the government was dedicated to this cause, having invested Rs 2,000 crores to settle the dues of 12 lakh borrowers since 2021.
Taking to X, Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “With the ashirwad of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, our Sankalp of ending the culture of exploitative micro finance lending is close to fruition. With today’s distribution of no due certificates, Assam has invested ₹2,000 cr to clear dues of 12 lakh borrowers since 2021.”
“The creditworthiness of these women entrepreneurs who were once trapped with exorbitant interest rates now begins with a clean slate. To support their industrious aspirations, through our SHG network, the Assam government will henceforth organise seed funding of ₹10,000 onwards,” added the post.