By Sabyasachi Sharma

Guwahati : Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that empowerment of women and enhancing their skills could play a significant role in the growth of rural economy of the state. Chief Minister Sonowal while attending the Mahila Samaroh 2018, which was organised by the State Government under the aegis of State Rural Livelihood Mission at Gogamukh in Lakhimpur district today also asserted the Government’s commitment to protect and empower all sections of the society to build a strong and vibrant Assam. Stating that women play the most significant role in the holistic development of the society, the Chief Minister underlined various schemes which have been taken up by the Government for social and economic empowerment of the women and striving to pass benefits of the welfare programmes to the poorest of the poor by enhancing implementation at the grassroots.

Chief Minister Sonowal informed that the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni has been launched with the aim to strengthen the Self Help Groups across the State by providing financial support and creating conducive work environment for them. He further added that 1 lakh 26 thousand SHGs have been provided with financial assistance under the scheme and in next phase, another 1 lakh SHGs would be included to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women-led development of the society. “Skill development of women & youths, enhancement of traditional skills and use of modern technology can transform the village economy of Assam. Our Govt is working in this direction to make Assam one of the best states in the nation”, Sonowal said adding that the State Government is committed to protect and empower all sections of the society & communities living in Barak-Brahmaputra valley, hills & plains. He also urged all to work unitedly to build a strong & resurgent Assam. Coinciding the programme, the Chief Minister also handed over cheques amounting to Rs. 25,000 each to Self-Help Groups under the Kanaklata Mahila Sabalikaran Achoni. Minister of State for Panchayat & Rural Development Naba Kumar Doley, MP Pradan Baruah, MLAs Ranjeet Dass, Ranuj Pegu, Debananda Hazarika, Bhuban Pegu, Mamud Imdadul Haque and other government officials were present in the programme.