How two Nagaon women in Assam turned welfare schemes into a handloom business

A small financial push from the Assam government is helping rural women move towards self-reliance. 
 

In Nagaon district, two women from Lalung village in the Kathiatoli area have turned modest assistance of Rs 10,000 into a handloom-based livelihood, highlighting how government schemes are encouraging entrepreneurship among women.
 

The initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to strengthen women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and promote small-scale livelihood activities. Under various welfare initiatives, the Assam government has been extending financial support to women, including the distribution of Rs 1,250 to many women to encourage financial independence and self-reliance.
 

Speaking earlier at the Panchayat Aaj Tak programme, Assam’s Higher Education, School Education and Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu said that even a small amount of financial assistance can help people begin livelihood activities. According to him, women can utilise such funds to start ventures like small-scale farming, poultry rearing, purchasing thread to begin handloom weaving, or buying livestock.
 

This vision is already becoming a reality in Lalung village. Two members of a local self-help group, including Moumita Deuri and her mother, received financial assistance under the Assam government’s Mahila Udyamita initiative. With the funds, they purchased thread and set up a handloom at their home.
 

The women are now weaving traditional Assamese textiles such as gamosa, mekhela sador, Tiwa gamosa, tagla and phaskai. The products are being prepared for sale in local markets, creating a new source of income for their family.
 

What began as a small initiative is gradually turning into a sustainable livelihood. The women say their aim is to continue working through self-employment and eventually expand their handloom activities.
 

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and local MLA Jitu Goswami for supporting women through government schemes that promote entrepreneurship and economic independence.
 

With more women receiving financial assistance and training through self-help groups, such grassroots initiatives are emerging across the state, reflecting a growing shift towards women-led livelihood activities in rural Assam.