Guwahati, March 13 -- The Assam government will start disbursing Rs 10,000 to each woman in self-help groups from April 1, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters Thursday.

This was a promise made by the chief minister in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The flagship scheme--Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan--is one of the biggest schemes of the state government to empower women. This seed capital will help the women start small ventures in various sectors.

"We will provide Rs 10,000 to individually first year to women who are part of self-help groups (SHGs)," the chief minister said.

In the second year, they propose to provide Rs 25,000 (Rs 12,500 as a bank loan and Rs 12,500 from the state government exchequer)....