Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distributes second tranche of funds under Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0
The Prime Minister spent more than Rs. 131 crore to 12,976 successful entrepreneurs under the second tranche of the programme.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister described this event as a defining moment for the Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 initiative.
He noted that there is often a perception that financial assistance provided by the government is not always used effectively. However, he said that many beneficiaries who received the first tranche under the program used the funds efficiently and made progress in their respective fields. Many of them have also become eligible for loans from banks and schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
The Prime Minister said that in Assam, around seven lakh youth enter the age group above 18 years of age every year, which means around 35 lakh youth join the workforce in five years. He said society must collectively address the challenge of providing employment opportunities to this growing population.
He added that unemployment could lead to disillusionment among young people if governments fail to create employment opportunities beyond government jobs.
He stated that the state government has already provided jobs to around 1.6 lakh youth in the state and is also exploring multiple alternative employment avenues for others. Highlighting global demographic trends, the Prime Minister said that many countries such as Japan and the USA are slowly turning into aging societies, while India remains a young country with an average age of 27-28 years. In Assam, the median age is even lower, around 22 years, indicating a large and energetic workforce. He said the state government is working to create a talented youth population through institutions like skill university and other educational initiatives, thereby encouraging industries to hire youth from Assam in the future.
The Prime Minister also stated that the size of Assam’s economy has grown from around Rs. 3.5 lakh crore to Rs. 8.5 lakh crore has created new employment opportunities in industry, services and agriculture in the last five years. He also highlighted upcoming major projects such as semiconductor plant in Jagiroad, thermal power project in Dhubri and fertilizer plant in Namrup, initiatives that will create more employment opportunities in the state.
Sarma said the program provides financial assistance ranging from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakhs to aspiring entrepreneurs without requiring any collateral. He added that such collateral-free capital support is rare in other schemes across the country and reflects the government’s confidence in the youth of Assam.
The Prime Minister informed that the first tranche of assistance under Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 was provided to 25,277 young entrepreneurs, but only 12,976 beneficiaries were eligible for the second tranche. The remaining entrepreneurs will receive the second tranche by August if they submit correct usage details of the first tranche to the Ministry of Industry within the next 90 days.
He also announced that partial interest support will be given from the state government to entrepreneurs who make good use of state aid and subsequently receive a bank loan. The Prime Minister also said that discussions are on to expand the initiative to benefit around 10 lakh youth in the future.
It may be noted that the Assam government launched the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 on December 23, 2023. Under Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 2.0, first tranche checks have already been distributed to 74,735 young entrepreneurs through regional programs held at 12 locations across the state between February 7 and February 25.
