Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that several women-centric welfare schemes adopted by the Bihar government were inspired by initiatives launched in Assam, adding that the “Assam model” significantly contributed to the NDA’s strong performance in the Bihar Assembly elections.
‘Assam Model’ Inspired Bihar’s Women Welfare Push: Sarma
Speaking about Assam’s flagship programmes such as ‘Lakhpati Baideo’ and ‘Sabal Mahila, Sabal Samaj’, Sarma said these schemes drew the attention of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who sought details on their implementation and objectives.
Sarma said Nitish Kumar was particularly impressed by the concept of making every woman financially independent and contacted the Assam government to study the model.
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Bihar Rolled Out Similar Scheme With Rs 10,000 Support
According to Sarma, the Bihar government implemented a similar empowerment scheme by providing Rs 10,000 each to 1.5 crore women, a move he claimed played a positive role in influencing women voters and contributed to the NDA’s victory.
He added that national media discussions around these programmes show the growing interest in women-led development models.
Other States Also Seek Guidance
Sarma said two chief ministers from other states recently approached him to understand the structure and implementation process of the women empowerment schemes so they could introduce similar initiatives.
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Scheme Structure and Direct Benefit Transfer Mechanism
The Assam government’s women entrepreneurship model follows a three-phase financial assistance plan under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, which has now been mirrored by Bihar:
Phase I (Year 1)
- Eligible women receive Rs 10,000 as seed capital via DBT.
Phase II (Year 2)
- Beneficiaries demonstrating productive use of funds receive Rs 25,000.
- This includes a Rs 12,500 government grant and a Rs 12,500 bank loan.
- Government bears the interest; beneficiaries repay only the principal.
Phase III (Year 3)
- Successful entrepreneurs receive an additional Rs 50,000 as a government grant.
Sarma said he is glad that the Assam model is inspiring several states to adopt similar women welfare and entrepreneurship promotion programmes.
