- NET Web Desk
In an attempt to ensure continuity of microfinance by supporting the economic activities of low income and poor households in the northeastern state of Assam, the state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday rolled-out the second phase of ‘Assam Micro Finance Institutions Relief Scheme’ (AMFIRS) meant for regular loan payers.
During an event, the Assam CM also handed over cheques to 5,024 women beneficiaries as part of incentives for continuation of maintaining a good credit discipline.
According to IANS report, under Phase 2, atleast 11 lakh women, who are repaying loans regularly, would be benefited by a one-time incentive of Rs 25,000 or outstanding balance. “This is an incentive for the women borrowers to continue maintaining good credit discipline,” – asserted an official.
The Chief Minister further urged the beneficiaries to utilize these incentives effectively, so that an enhancement into their Credit Information Bureau (CIBIL) scores can be registered, thereby leading them to become eligible for more loans in future.
During a function at Biswanath, Sarma directed the microfinance institutions to generate awareness about the repayment conditions, among the loan applicants.
He also said that “a new portal will be opened from next month where those women beneficiaries, who have not been able to repay their microfinance loans at all, would be able to register themselves and the state government will help them to repay their dues.”
The state government is undertaking several steps for providing caste certificates to Class 9 students this year in their respective schools itself, stated the CM.
After inaugurating a Model Anganwadi Centre at Biswanath, he told the mediapersons that concerned centres will play a major role in the overall development of children at their formative stages while also ensuring adequate nutrition of pregnant women and lactating mothers. A total of 10,000 such new centres would come up in the next few years, he further added.
