March 10, 2025: The Assam government has placed women at the center of its Budget 2025, unveiling a series of schemes aimed at financial security, entrepreneurship, and education. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the budget with a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, introducing initiatives like Orunodoi 3.0, Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan, and Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina, ensuring economic independence and growth opportunities for women across the state.
The Orunodoi 3.0 scheme has been significantly expanded to 37.2 lakh women across Assam, providing them with ₹1,250 per month to support household expenses, healthcare, and education. A total of ₹5,000 crore has been allocated to the scheme, making it one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs in the country. In addition, widows under the National Widow Pension Scheme will receive a top-up pension, ensuring parity with Orunodoi beneficiaries.
For women looking to start or expand their businesses, the government has launched the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA), which will cover 32 lakh rural and 2 lakh urban women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Each beneficiary will receive ₹10,000 as seed capital, followed by an opportunity to avail a ₹25,000 loan with government subsidies. With an allocation of ₹3,038 crore, the scheme is expected to provide financial stability and promote self-employment opportunities for women in rural and urban areas. The initiative is set to be launched on April 1, 2025, from Behali Legislative Assembly Constituency.
Education for girls remains a priority in the budget, with the expansion of Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina, now benefiting 4.3 lakh girl students across Assam. Under this initiative, financial assistance will be provided to students pursuing higher education, ranging from ₹1,000 per month for Class 11 students to ₹2,500 per month for postgraduate and B.Ed students. The government has allocated ₹391 crore to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent young girls from continuing their education. The scheme has also been extended to those pursuing self-financed courses in government institutions, further widening access to higher education.
The budget also introduced the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana initiative to assist young graduates in their transition from education to employment. Graduates from government universities and colleges passing out in 2025 will receive ₹2,500 per month for up to one year. Alternatively, a one-time grant of ₹25,000 will be provided to those looking to enter the job market or start their own businesses. Additionally, research scholars in state and central universities will receive ₹25,000, with ₹50,000 allotted for Divyang (specially-abled) scholars. This initiative is designed to provide young women with financial stability as they seek employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.
Beyond financial assistance and employment support, the budget also includes measures for improving the working conditions of women in various sectors. ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and PM Poshan Cooks will see an increase in their honorariums, acknowledging their contributions to public health and child welfare. The government has also allocated funds to expand maternity benefits and healthcare access under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Asom health insurance schemes.
The budget extends its focus on women working in Assam’s tea industry, with a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 allocated to 6.8 lakh tea garden workers, many of whom are women. In addition, efforts are being made to provide vocational training for women under the Assam Skill University, which will introduce courses in AI, Robotics, and STEM education, ensuring women’s participation in emerging fields.
With a total allocation of over ₹10,000 crore for women-centric schemes, the Assam government has made a bold commitment to economic and social empowerment. By strengthening financial security, encouraging entrepreneurship, and expanding access to education and employment, this budget lays the foundation for a more inclusive and progressive future for women in Assam.