Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched women empowerment scheme

The new scheme aims to create more than 3.72 lakh sustainable individual and 822 community assets benefiting around four lakh families in first phase under MGNREGA with convergence of schemes of various State government departments and missions including Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, Agriculture & Horticulture, Fishery, Environment & Forest, Handloom & Textiles, Sericulture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry etc. In case of individual asset creation, five identified activities would be implemented across all development blocks. For community asset creation, 20 activities would be implemented in selected Development Blocks. Moreover, monitoring committees from panchayats up to State level would be constituted for effective implantation of the scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that many women personalities like Sati Joymati, Sati Sadhani, Kanaklata Baruah, Mangri Orang, Indira Miri and others exemplified women power in the State. He said that women of the State are very hardworking and urged them to show utmost commitment in implementing the scheme.

Underlining the role of PRI representatives in ensuring effective implementation of the scheme, the Chief Minister called upon them to extend full cooperation to the women SHG beneficiaries and perform their duties with honesty, sincerity and dedication. He also warned strict action against panchayats found to be involved in corrupt practices, anomalies or negligence while implementing the scheme. The Chief Minister also announced awards to first three best performing panchayats to the tune of Rs. 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh each.

Stating the scheme as a big initiative for women empowerment, the Chief Minister urged all line departments to act responsibly in full cooperation with the P & RD Department. Sonowal also expressed confidence on the capabilities of the PRI representatives and called for their committed service in making the scheme a success.

The Chief Minister said that exemplary steps were taken to safeguard rights of the indigenous people over land through distribution of land pattas to over one lakh local landless families. He also highlighted the eviction drives carried out against encroachers for preservation of sattras, namghars and other religious institutions, besides Assam government's efforts for making the State free from corruption, illegal migration, insurgency and pollution.