Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Assam officials slashed the list of eligible entrepreneurs. Out of 25,277 beneficiaries in the first phase of the Chief Minister's Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, only 12,976 cleared the bar for a second payout. Performance reviews triggered the cuts. Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah announced the findings Friday at Janata Bhawan.
Launched on September 23, 2023, the program aims to build local businesses. It provides initial capital to both professional and non-professional applicants. Doctors, engineers, pharmacists, chartered accountants, and MBA graduates make up 221 professional slots. Non-professionals secured Rs 1 lakh each, while professionals received Rs 2.5 lakh to start their ventures.
Officials reviewed the group based on efficiency and eligibility. Those who missed the mark will face a fresh reassessment before the government makes a final call. Borah pushed for accountability. He told the media, "the objective of the scheme could not be achieved unless beneficiaries utilised the assistance responsibly and translated it into viable enterprises."
Misuse carries consequences. Recipients failing to show progress risk losing future subsidies and bank support. Borah warned that poor performance might even lead to removal from Bihu committees. The state wants results, not just handouts.
Comments