Assam Budget 2024-25: Empowering Women, Boosting Education, and Promoting Job Growth

In a significant move to empower women and promote social equity, the Assam government presented a budget of Rs 2.9 lakh crore for the year 2024-25. The budget, unveiled by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, focused on several women-centric schemes, financial aid for education, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

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Financial Support for Girls' Education

Recognizing the importance of education in combating child marriage, the government introduced the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) scheme. Under this scheme, 10 lakh girls will receive financial grants as admission incentives to continue their education from higher secondary to post-graduation level. This initiative aims to empower girls and provide them with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

To avail this benefit, girls must study in government institutes and remain unmarried. They will receive an admission incentive of Rs 10,000 for joining Class 11, Rs 12,500 for the first year of graduation, and Rs 15,000 for the previous year of post-graduation. These incentives are in addition to existing benefits such as free admission and provision of scooty.

Entrepreneurship Fund for Women

In another significant move, the government launched the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan to support women entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, each of the 39,67,743 members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas will receive an entrepreneurship fund of Rs 10,000. This fund aims to encourage women to start their own businesses and become financially independent.

Upon availing this benefit, beneficiaries will be eligible for a bank loan of a minimum of Rs 25,000. Additionally, upon prudent utilization and timely repayment of the loan amount, a capital subsidy of Rs 12,500 will be provided. Thus, each beneficiary will receive a minimum of Rs 47,500 as grant, subsidy, and loan together.

Expansion of Orunodoi Scheme

The Orunodoi scheme, which provides a monthly deposit of Rs 1,250 to women's accounts, will be expanded to include an additional 2.5 lakh beneficiaries. This will bring the total reach of the scheme to more than 30 lakh households in the state. The government also plans to link Orunodoi beneficiaries with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and consider insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Micro Finance Loan Waiver Scheme

The government announced the third phase of the micro finance loan waiver scheme worth Rs 550 crore. This scheme will provide support to poor women borrowers whose accounts became non-performing assets before March 31, 2021, and have an outstanding principal amount between Rs 25,001 and Rs 50,000.

Job Creation and Social Equity

The government reiterated its commitment to providing one lakh government jobs during the NDA's five-year tenure from May 2021. As of January 2024, 94,506 youths have been recruited, and advertisements for 35,910 posts have been published, bringing the total jobs created to 1,30,416.

To promote social equity in recruitment, the government announced that candidates from families without a single government or public sector employee will receive a 5% weightage in total marks for Grade-III and Grade-IV posts. A new legislation will be introduced during the current year to implement this provision.

Anganwadi Centres

The government plans to construct 5,000 model Anganwadi centres with an outlay of Rs 1,250 crore in the next financial year. This will complete the commitment of constructing 10,000 such units in the state, providing better facilities for early childhood care and education.

In conclusion, the Assam government's budget for 2024-25 places a strong emphasis on women empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, and job creation. These initiatives aim to improve the lives of citizens, promote social equity, and drive economic growth in the state.