At a time when job creation and youth livelihoods dominate policy conversations, Assam has taken a decisive step to shift the focus from government employment to entrepreneur-led economic growth. On Monday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rolled out the first instalment of Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 directly supporting more than 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs across Upper Assam.
The move signals a sharper push towards self-reliance, small businesses, and sustainable employment especially critical as traditional job avenues struggle to absorb a growing workforce.
First instalment launched from Dibrugarh
The Chief Minister formally launched the distribution of the first instalment of Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 at Lengeri in Dibrugarh district. The initiative currently covers Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Tinsukia, and Charaideo, regions known for their entrepreneurial potential but limited access to early-stage capital.
Under this phase, 10,404 beneficiaries received financial assistance to start or expand small businesses, marking one of the largest district-level entrepreneurship support drives in the state.
District-wise beneficiary breakdown
The distribution reflects a targeted, region-specific approach
- Dibrugarh: 3,888 beneficiaries
- Sibsagar: 1,956 beneficiaries
- Tinsukia: 3,341 beneficiaries
- Charaideo: 1,219 beneficiaries
Officials say the selection process focused on viability, local demand, and the potential for job creation at the grassroots level.
Focus on both general and vocational enterprises
Of the total beneficiaries under Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0,
- 10,381 fall under the general category, and
- 23 belong to the vocational category.
This split highlights the scheme’s dual focus supporting both conventional micro-enterprises such as retail, services, and agriculture-linked businesses, as well as skill-based and vocational ventures that can scale with training and mentorship.
“Entrepreneurs create long-term jobs,” says CM
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a clear distinction between short-term job creation and long-term economic stability.
Only entrepreneurs and businesses can generate large-scale employment. Our government has not only provided jobs but has also created a new generation of entrepreneurs and businessmen,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that while government recruitment remains important, sustainable employment can only be built on a strong entrepreneurial base, especially in semi-urban and rural Assam.
What Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 aims to achieve
Launched as an expanded version of its earlier phase, Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 is designed to go beyond one-time financial aid.The programme combines
- Direct financial assistance
- Institutional and handholding support
- Encouragement for youth-led enterprises
The government expects the initiative to strengthen the local economy by enabling small businesses to generate income, employ others, and remain rooted in their communities.
Economic impact beyond funding
Policy experts view Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 as a strategic shift from job dependency to job creation. By backing first-generation entrepreneurs, the state aims to reduce migration, boost local markets, and diversify income sources particularly in Upper Assam.Small enterprises supported under the scheme are expected to contribute to
- Increased local spending
- Expansion of supply chains
- Greater participation of youth in business
Over time, this could help Assam build a more resilient, locally driven economy.Officials indicated that this is only the first phase of disbursement. Beneficiaries will be monitored and guided to ensure funds are used productively, with future instalments linked to progress and sustainability.
Further expansion of Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0 to other districts is also expected as the programme evolves.
FAQs
1.What is Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0?
It is a state government initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship by providing financial and institutional support to aspiring business owners in Assam.
2.How many people benefited in this phase?
A total of 10,404 beneficiaries received the first instalment across four districts.
3.Which districts are covered currently?
Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Tinsukia, and Charaideo.
4.What is the main goal of the scheme?
To create long-term employment by encouraging self-reliance and small business growth.
Conclusion
With Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan 2.0, the Assam government is betting on entrepreneurs as the backbone of future employment. If implemented consistently, the initiative could reshape how young people in the state view careers not just as job seekers, but as job creators.