GUWAHATI, Oct 8 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today launched the �Swa-nirbhar Naari: Atmanirbhar Asom� scheme in a bid to empower the economically disadvantaged women of the State at a programme organised by Panchayat & Rural Development Department at Chandrapur in the city today.
The new scheme aims to create to more than 3.72 lakh sustainable individual and 822 community assets benefitting around 4 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 implementation of the scheme,� an official release stated.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that many women personalities, like Sati Joymati, Sati Sadhani, Kanaklata Baruah, Mangri Orang, Indira Miri, etc., exemplified women power in the State. He said that women of the State were very hard working and urged them to show utmost commitment in implementing the scheme.
Underlining the role of PRI representatives in ensuring effective implementation of the scheme, Sonowal called upon them to extend full cooperation to the women SHG beneficiaries and perform their duties with honesty, sincerity and dedication. He also warned of strict action against panchayats found to be involved in corrupt practices, anomalies or negligence while implementing the scheme.
He further 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, Sonowal urged all line departments to act responsibly in full cooperation with the P&RD Department.
