Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that 200 aspiring women entrepreneurs under the state's Lakhpati Didi initiative have completed professional training in the hospitality sector, describing it as a step towards building sustainable women-led enterprises across the state.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said a "quiet revolution" was unfolding in Assam, with the government's flagship initiative focusing not only on providing financial assistance but also on nurturing women's skills and entrepreneurship. Sarma said the Lakhpati Didi initiative is not only about providing capital but also about nurturing talent, and that 200 aspiring Lakhpati Didis have completed professional training in the hospitality industry.
He added that through initiatives such as the ASOMI Rongali Canteens, women in Assam are gaining professional skills, confidence and entrepreneurial acumen to establish and manage their own businesses. The Chief Minister said their vision is to transform aspirations into enterprise and create a new workforce of Lakhpati Didis and changemakers.
The hospitality training programme included practical exposure to food preparation, hygiene standards, kitchen management and customer service, enabling participants to operate canteens and other food-based enterprises professionally. The Lakhpati Didi initiative aims to transform members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into successful entrepreneurs with an annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh.
Under the scheme, women receive financial support, access to bank credit, skill development, market linkages and specialised training to establish sustainable livelihoods. In Assam, the state government has integrated the programme with several livelihood initiatives, including ASOMI Rongali Canteens, to promote women-led enterprises in sectors such as food services, agriculture, handicrafts and rural industries.
The state government has consistently expanded women-centric livelihood programmes as part of its broader strategy to strengthen rural entrepreneurship, enhance household incomes, and increase women's participation in the state's economic growth.