Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a bid to empower economically deprived women in the state launched a "Swa-nirbhar Naari: Atmanirbhar Asom" on Thursday. The scheme aims to create more than 3.72 lakh sustainable individuals and over 800 communities. Further, the scheme will also benefit around 4 lakh families in the first phase of MGNREGA with the convergence of schemes of various state government departments and missions.
Highlighting the role of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives in ensuring successful implementation of the scheme, Sonowal urged them to extend their full cooperation to women SHG beneficiaries and perform their duties with sincerity and dedication.
Sonowal also warned strict action against panchayats that will be found involved in corruption, inconsistency or negligence while implementing the schemes. The chief minister termed the scheme to be a big initiative and urged the line departments to cooperate with the panchayat and rural development department.
Sonowal also urged the Zila Parishad Council representatives to play a pivotal role in implanting the ambitious scheme and announced that the top three best performing panchayats will be awarded Rs3 lakh, Rs.2 lakh, and Rs.1 lakh respectively.