Why In The News?

• Recently, Assam launched the ‘Lakhpati Baideo’ programme.
• This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs through financial support and training.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the scheme, which targets 40 lakh women self-help group (SHG) members.
• The programme is designed to enhance women’s financial independence and promote rural entrepreneurship.

Lakhpati Baideo Scheme:

=> The Lakhpati Baideo scheme provides financial assistance to women SHG members.

=> It offers ?10,000 as seed capital in the first year.

=> Beneficiaries can receive ?25,000 in the second year and ?50,000 in the third year based on their business success.

=> The total estimated cost of the scheme is ?4,000 crore.

Target Audience:

=> The scheme focuses on women from SHGs across Assam.

=> It aims to uplift those in general, OBC, SC, and ST categories.

=> Specific eligibility criteria include family size restrictions.

=> General and OBC beneficiaries cannot have more than three children, while SC and ST beneficiaries are limited to four.

Financial Structure:

=> The financial structure of the scheme is multi-tiered. In the first year, beneficiaries receive ?10,000.

=> In the second year, they can access ?25,000, with ?12,500 as a bank loan and ?12,500 as a state grant.

=> Successful entrepreneurs in the third year can receive ?50,000.

Support and Training:

=> The Assam government is committed to providing comprehensive support.

=>  An e-commerce platform will facilitate business activities for women.

=> Additionally, beneficiaries must submit a business plan to access funds.

=> This encourages strategic planning and sustainable growth.

Health and Education Initiatives:

=> Alongside the Lakhpati Baideo scheme, the government is enhancing health and education support.

=> It has launched special health camps for affordable healthcare.

=> Moreover, financial aid will be provided to students from poor families for tuition.

=> This holistic approach aims to improve overall living standards.

Population Control Measures:

=> The Lakhpati Baideo scheme is linked to Assam’s population control policies.

=> It encourages responsible family planning among beneficiaries.

=> The initiative aligns with broader government objectives to manage population growth while empowering women.

Future Prospects:

=> The scheme is expected to create impact on women’s economic status in Assam.

=> By promoting entrepreneurship, the government aims to transform rural economies.

=> The long-term goal is to encourage a culture of self-reliance among women.