To accelerate holistic development of the State, the Government of Assam, led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, organized a special programme titled ’12 Days of Development’ from December 11, 2024.” This special initiative held across various districts of the State, focused on schemes of the Department of Education, Finance, Industry, Commerce and Public Enterprises, and the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management.
On the first day of the program, eligible students from Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts received scooters under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award as part of the Pragyan Bharati Scheme. Additionally, bicycles were distributed to Class IX students under the Chief Minister’s Special Scheme, and DBT was provided to students securing over 75% marks in Class X under the Anundoram Borooah Award. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu attended the programme.
Minister Ajanta Neog also participated in the first day’s event in Jorhat district.
As the Chief Minister visited several districts, he took to social media to express, “This campaign is not only a means to provide benefits to the people, but it is also an effort to understand their problems and provide tangible solutions.”
The ’12 Days of Development’ programme included distribution of No Dues Certificates to beneficiaries under the Assam Microfinance Incentive & Relief Scheme (Phase III, Category II), DBT to flood-affected individuals from the 2024 floods, and seed capital to self-help groups under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
Referring to the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme, the Chief Minister shared on Facebook, “Our Government has taken various steps to empower women. Nari Sashaktikaran is not just a slogan but the cornerstone of our governance. Under the ongoing 12 Days of Development programme, we have disbursed Loan Waiver Certificates to lakhs of women borrowers. This will have a significant impact on our economy, as more women entrepreneurs will be able to establish and expand their businesses, create employment opportunities and foster growth at the grassroots level.”
On the third day of the programme, the Chief Minister attended an event in Jorhat, where several beneficiaries of various schemes received benefits. Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah also participated in the event. He shared on his Facebook account, “The topmost priority of our popular government is the overall development of Assam and the improvement of the standard of living for the people of the State. Our efforts in this direction will remain unwavering.”
On December 14, Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora participated in the event held in Golaghat district alongside the Chief Minister. He mentioned, “Under the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme 2021, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has extended loan waivers to Category 3 beneficiaries, benefiting 5,119 women in Golaghat. Financial assistance through DBT from the Revenue Department has been extended to 2,091 families affected by the recent floods. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme, financial assistance has been provided to 189 women in Golaghat.”
Sudarshana Das, a resident of Golaghat district, took to social media to commend the Chief Minister’s initiative. She shared, “I received a scooter as part of the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Award under the Pragyan Bharti scheme. I am grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for benefiting us through this scheme.”
Newly inducted Minister in the Assam Cabinet, Kaushik Rai, participated in the programme in Sribhumi district on December 16. He shared, “As part of the 12 Days of Development, we have distributed assistance and grants under various schemes to the beneficiaries in Sribhumi district. We are confident that this initiative by our government, led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, will bring immense benefits to the people.”
Another newly inducted Assam Cabinet Minister, Prasanta Phukan, participated in the programme on December 17 in Dhubri. He stated in his social media post, “Through this assistance, we aim to support the courage of the people, stand by the artists, and make sincere efforts to protect those in need. As we have chosen the path of public service, we are always ready to continue advancing this journey and ensure the welfare of all citizens.”
Attending the last day of the programme, Sarma said, “The 12 Days of Development initiative culminated in Dibrugarh today, where we distributed grants & incentives to thousands of people.
This effort has received tremendous support from the people and has enabled us to successfully deliver on our promises to Assam’s Janata Janardan.”
