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Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) can join hands with the Assam government in bolstering women's empowerment and creating more entrepreneurship in the state through micro-lending facilities. Attending the 29th foundation day celebration of NEDFi at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said that NEDFi can tie with the state government in its initiative to provide business opportunities to women working in self-help groups through Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme.
He said that under Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme Phase I, government will grant a sum of Rs. 10,000 in the first year as seed fund to the women beneficiaries. This seed fund will be utilised to fulfill the purpose of business venture initiatives. "In phase II of the scheme, in the second year, successful women entrepreneur will get a sum of Rs. 25,000. Out of this amount, Rs. 12,500 will be given as bank loan and the rest of the amount will be granted by the State government. NEDFi can partner with the government in providing loan amount to the beneficiaries," the Assam Chief Minister said. He, therefore, requested the NEDFi functionaries to read every component of the Mahila Udyamita Scheme to extend their readiness to align with the scheme. Hailing the NEDFi for the success of its micro-lending scheme, which was launched in 2022, Dr Sarma said that under the scheme, a total of 10891 entrepreneurs have benefited. The scheme also opened a door of opportunity for entrepreneurs in the region. The Chief Minister also launched a Digital Mobile App for the NEDFi Micro Lending Scheme, which aimed at lending a helping hand to the small enterprises and entrepreneurs of the NE Region. Chief Minister Dr. Sarma also thanked NEDFi for its role in providing assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises for setting up industrial, infrastructure projects in North East. He said that over the years, NEDFi has been a crucial force in providing quick and hassle-free loans to entrepreneurs, which help them to become atmanirbhar. For the last several years, NEDFi has been a force to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises. He also expressed his hope that in the coming years NEDFi will travel the extra mile to enhance the volume of business generated from entrepreneurship in the region. The Chief Minister on the occasion also felicitated Padma Shri Awardees Sarbeswar Basumatary from Assam and Moirangthem Muktamani Devi from Manipur. Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, CMD NEDFI PVSLN Murty along with a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI)
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