It was in December 2021 that Genioushree Deka, a working professional at a private IT company, decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. With the required preparations, she finally quit her job in 2022 to focus on her business. Genioushree participated in several exhibitions, showcasing various handicraft products, and created her own website. Since its inception, her company has been trying to promote environmental sustainability and Assamese culture while talking of taking her brand to a global level.
Partha Pratim Gogoi is the owner of a bag manufacturing factory of Galeki, Sivasagar that produces polypropylene bags. Previously involved in other business ventures, Partha has dedicated himself to this enterprise since 2023. Despite facing logistical challenges, he has successfully placed the items on eCommerce platforms, serving tea gardens, among others.
The Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan represents a significant step toward supporting young entrepreneurs like Genioushree and Partha. This initiative has been aligned with the Chief Minister’s electoral promise to motivate & foster 2 lakh young entrepreneurs across the State.
It was launched on September 23, 2023, as a portal to begin with, for interested entrepreneurs to submit their applications. A total of 104,091 candidates applied, with around 25,238 receiving financial assistance in the first phase on September 30, 2024.
₹75,000 was distributed as a first step and the remaining ₹25,000 will be disbursed on November 10. The total assistance under the scheme is ₹2 lakh with the stipulation that recipients will not have to refund ₹1 lakh while the remaining ₹1 lakh need to be repaid in instalments over the next three to five years.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Today, the entire nation will be proud of Assam.” He spoke of the importance of a three-day training programme for youth in the districts stating that a team of trained individuals will be appointed as Chief Minister Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan Fellows to monitor the progress of the scheme. The balance amount of ₹1 lakh will be allocated to eligible recipients after one year based on their performance report. In the first phase, a total of ₹510 crore was disbursed to these entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister spoke of scaling up the numbers based on the success of the process. “If this process proves successful then we target to empower 2 lakh youth to become self-reliant.” He said that this initiative marks a historic step in advancing the State’s youth toward self-sufficiency, urging them to utilise funds properly and be role models for others.
“For those eligible who received ₹2 lakh, their journey should not conclude there. They must formulate plans to secure up to ₹20 lakh from banks through the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and pursue that goal,” the CM said.
Aspiring entrepreneur Partha Pratim Bora, while talking to Asom Barta, spoke of his plan to utilise the amount. “I plan to spend the financial assistance from the scheme towards publicity. Now that our business is taking shape, it’s time to promote it.” He was of the view that the scheme will go a long way in helping many young entrepreneurs.
