Assam CM empowers women, inaugurates 70 MW solar plant during Bilasipara visit

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 15 led a series of major programmes in Bilasipara, combining women’s economic empowerment, renewable energy expansion and key legislative messaging during a packed official visit.

The Chief Minister began the day at the INA Ground, where he distributed entrepreneurship cheques to 18,375 women from the Bilasipara Assembly constituency under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan. 

Addressing a large gathering of beneficiaries, popularly referred to as “Lakhpati Baideus,” Dr. Sarma detailed the scheme’s phased support structure. In the first phase, beneficiaries receive seed capital of ₹10,000, followed by ₹25,000 in the second phase upon effective utilisation of the initial amount. A third phase will provide up to ₹50,000 through grants or bank-linked loans to help women scale up their enterprises.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 70 MW solar power plant at Khudigaon, developed at a cost of ₹350 crore over nearly 1,000 bighas of land. Describing the project as a milestone for Assam’s clean energy ambitions, Dr. Sarma said the initiative would strengthen the state’s push towards renewable power and position Assam as an emerging green energy hub.

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Speaking to the media in Bilasipara, the Chief Minister also announced a toll-free helpline, 114, aimed at curbing the practice of polygamy. He warned that under the proposed state legislation, a second marriage could invite imprisonment of up to 14 years, while a third marriage could lead to a jail term of up to 21 years.

On the political front, Dr. Sarma criticised the opposition, alleging that Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi had elevated Rezaul Karim as a “hero” for political convenience. He also expressed strong concern over reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, calling for greater attention to the safety and rights of minorities across the border.

Concluding his visit, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening rural women’s livelihoods while simultaneously accelerating Assam’s industrial and energy-sector transformation.