The Assam government has begun disbursing the first instalment of financial assistance under Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0, with over ₹55 crore released to 7,373 beneficiaries across Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara and South Salmara–Mankachar districts.

What is Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0?

• Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 is a flagship scheme of the Government of Assam.
• It aims to transform educated youth from job seekers into job creators.
• The scheme supports new enterprises as well as expansion of existing businesses.
• It focuses on rural and semi-urban economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.

Key Objectives

• To provide self-employment opportunities to educated youth.
• To build an entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem in Assam.
• To generate local employment through micro and small enterprises.
• To promote sustainable livelihoods in diverse sectors.
• To strengthen rural and semi-urban economic growth.

Financial Assistance Pattern

• Up to ₹2 lakh for graduates, diploma holders and matric-qualified candidates.
• Up to ₹5 lakh for professional degree holders in engineering, agriculture, veterinary science, fisheries, medicine and allied fields.
• Around 50% as direct financial support.
• Remaining amount as an interest-free government loan.
• Support is available for both new ventures and business expansion.

Target Sectors Covered

• Agriculture and horticulture
• Poultry, dairy, pig and goat farming
• Fisheries
• Retail and stationery
• Small manufacturing and packaging
• Garments and fabrication
• Bamboo, rubber and plantation activities
• Wood-based industries
• Service-sector enterprises and vocational self-employment

Eligibility Conditions

• Should be a permanent resident of Assam and should be of age between 28 and 45 years.
• Minimum Class X qualification (for General categories) and upto Class X (for SC/ST/OBC categories).
• Must have relevant skills, knowledge or experience to undertake income generating activities.
• Should have a scheduled commercial bank account, which has been opened before 1st April 2024.
• Should be registered with the Employment Exchange.
• Only one member per family is eligible for the loan.
• Applicants should not have defaulted any loan taken from any scheduled commercial Bank in the past.
• Must not be a beneficiary of Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 1.0.

One-line wrap

Atmanirbhar Assam 2.0 seeks to turn Assam’s educated youth into local entrepreneurs and drivers of inclusive growth.

Exam Hook –

With reference to Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0, consider the following statements:

1. The scheme provides a mix of direct financial support and interest-free loans.
2. Professional degree holders are eligible for higher financial assistance compared to matric-qualified candidates.
3. Beneficiaries of Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 1.0 are also eligible under version 2.0.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only

Source