Guwahati, Oct 16: – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the state’s efforts to empower small businesses, contributing significantly to its growth story.

The Khadi industry has witnessed substantial progress, creating over 5,000 jobs and achieving total sales of Rs 18.92 crore last year. The state government is providing major support to this sector.

Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), more than 7,600 small entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have benefited. The program aims to encourage entrepreneurship and economic upliftment of these communities.

Since 2018, 2,417 projects have been supported under PMEGP, with a margin money allocation of Rs 111.16 crore and utilized margin money of Rs 64.06 crore. This has resulted in the creation of 19,336 new employment opportunities.

As of March 31, 2024, 7,216 SC/ST small entrepreneurs from Assam have benefited from various schemes. The state government’s initiatives are expected to further boost the startup ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.