The Assam government’s flagship self-employment programme, the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA), has found that only around half of the beneficiaries selected in its first phase have qualified for the next round of financial assistance following a performance review.Addressing a press conference at Janata Bhawan on Friday, Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah said that out of 25,277 beneficiaries selected under CMAAA 1.0 in 2023, only 12,976 were found eligible for second-phase assistance after a comprehensive assessment. The evaluation was carried out on the basis of efficiency and eligibility, with the government examining how effectively beneficiaries had used the financial support provided under the scheme. He said those who did not qualify would undergo a fresh reassessment before any decision on further assistance is taken.
According to the minister, the first phase of the scheme included 25,277 beneficiaries, of whom 221 belonged to the professional category comprising doctors, engineers, pharmacists, chartered accountants, MBA graduates and other qualified professionals. The remaining beneficiaries were selected under the non-professional category.Under the programme, non-professional beneficiaries received Rs 1 lakh each as the first instalment to help establish their businesses, while beneficiaries in the professional category were provided Rs 2.5 lakh. Launched on September 23, 2023, the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan aims to encourage entrepreneurship among the state’s youth, promote self-reliance and generate employment through sustainable business ventures. The scheme is also intended to strengthen Assam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing financial assistance and institutional support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Expressing concern over the findings of the review, Borah said the objectives of the scheme could only be achieved if beneficiaries used the assistance responsibly and converted it into successful enterprises. “The objective of the scheme cannot be achieved unless beneficiaries utilise the assistance responsibly and translate it into viable enterprises,” he said, urging recipients to take the initiative seriously and ensure that the funds are used for the intended purpose. The minister also warned against misuse of government assistance, stating that beneficiaries who fail to utilise the funds properly could face removal from Bihu committees. He added that banks would consider extending subsidies and additional financial support only after beneficiaries demonstrate tangible progress and effective implementation of their business activities.
