Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA)
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) is a key initiative introduced by the Government of Assam aimed at empowering women through entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. This all-encompassing program provides financial support and resources to women, especially those in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), helping them to start and grow their own businesses.
Key Features of the Scheme:
1. Steps for Providing Financial Aid:
First Year: In the first year, women are given a seed capital of ₹10,000 to begin their entrepreneurship.
Second Year: Upon successful utilization of the initial seed capital, beneficiaries can avail an additional ₹25,000, comprising ₹12,500 as a bank loan and ₹12,500 as a government grant.
Third year: Those women managing successful businesses may get up to ₹50,000 to help their enterprises grow further.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant should be a registered member of an active women’s Self-Help Group managed under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission.
- Must open a bank account where their Aadhaar number is linked to the account.
- A business plan for the new or ongoing activity should be realistic and suitable.
- For General and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories: It is necessary to limit the number of children to three.
- For SC, ST, Moran, Matok and Tea Tribe communities: They should not have more than four children.
- If a mother of a girl child, the child must be enrolled in school.
- Must ensure the survival of a sapling planted during the Amrit Brikshya Andolan.
3. Implementation Phases:
- In Phase I, ₹10,000 is given out as seed capital to members of SHGs who are qualified to operate or develop a business.
- In Phase II, the beneficiaries can apply for a loan of ₹25,000 from a bank and receive a capital subsidy of ₹12,500 or less, provided by the government after they pay back the loan.
- When you finish repaying the Phase II loan, you may get a higher bank loan and the government will provide a 3% subsidy on your interest.
4. Urban Component – Nogoria:
In order to advance the careers of urban women entrepreneurs, this component gives out the same form of financial aid and support services as those provided in rural areas, but those services have been modified for the city setting.
The MMUA has the following objectives:
• Ensure that the majority of SHG women turn into micro-entrepreneurs, making at least ₹1 lakh every year.
• To encourage women in Assam to become financially independent.
• To increase opportunities for households to stay financially solid and independent by assisting them.
The MMUA shows that the Assam government supports women and encourages all-round growth by providing what they need to succeed as businesswomen.