GUWAHATI, Feb 2 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ceremonially launched distribution of revolving fund amounting to Rs 30 crore to around 20,000 women�s SHGs under Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni in the State on Saturday.
The distribution ceremony was organised by Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission under the P&RD department in the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said women are the source of great strength and they are the quintessential force for any change in society. He said that Kanaklata Baruah who laid down her life fighting against the British, was a glaring example of women�s power in the State. He said the women in the State possess the same strength and they would have to play a vital role in expediting the process of development in the State.
Underlining the Prime Minister�s special initiatives for girl child and women such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, PM Ujala Scheme, Swacch Bharat Mission, the Chief Minister said that inspired by such schemes, Assam government also took up several steps for empowerment of women. He said the aim of the State government is to raise the stature of women in society and cited the appointment of Dr Malinee Goswami as the first woman vice chancellor of Assam and retired IAS officer TY Das as the first woman chief secretary of the State under his government as examples of that aim. He also said that due to the favourable environment generated by the government, today several women including film director Rima Das and sportspersons Hima Das, Lovlina Borgohain, Jamuna Boro, Angkushita Boro, etc., have made successful inroads into the world platform in their respective fields.
Chief Minister Sonowal also said that the State government launched various schemes such as Arundhati Scheme, Indira Miri Widow Pension Scheme, Swahid Kushal Konwar Universal Old Age Pension Scheme, etc., with a view to giving dignity to the women in society. He also urged the women to keep close watch for ensuring a positive work culture and academic environment in the State. He also asked them to play an important role in motivating and inspiring their children to take up their studies seriously.
The Chief Minister also said that the women of the State have to play a pivotal role in ensuring peace, unity, harmony and brotherhood in society. They also have to remain alert and prevent rumour mongers from disrupting peace and misleading society. He further said that the Assam government is committed to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous people and would take all decisions in cognizance with the people of the State. He also said that his government is unwaveringly working to protect and promote the local language, culture and tradition and there is no need for the people of the State to panic.
Sonowal also underlined the importance of the Bodo Peace Accord signed recently and said that this has led to the successful culmination of a long-standing issue. He further informed that the Assam government in the current year would take steps for proving employment directly and indirectly to nearly one lakh youth in the State.
Minister of State (independent) for P&RD department Naba Kumar Doley said that since the launch of the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni, the State government has been able to touch the lives of more than 18 lakh households and 1,78,720 SHGs across the State have received financial benefit.
Minister of State (independent) for Revenue & DM Jogen Mohan and MLAs Atul Bora, Suman Haripriya, Angoorlata Deka and Nabanita Handique also spoke on the occasion.
