Guwahati: Only about half of CM’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) 1.0 beneficiaries have qualified for the scheme’s second tranche, raising concern.Industries and commerce minister Bimal Borah on Friday said 25,277 beneficiaries were covered under CMAAA 1.0. All received the first tranche to start or strengthen their ventures, but only 12,976 qualified for the second tranche based on performance and eligibility.“Under the CMAAA 1.0, a total of 25,277 beneficiaries were covered. All beneficiaries received the first tranche of financial assistance to establish and strengthen their entrepreneurial ventures. However, only 12,976 beneficiaries have qualified for the second tranche in the form of an Interest-Free Loan, based on their performance and eligibility.”“This is worrisome. We have been able to provide the second tranche of the Rs 2 lakh financial assistance, which is Rs 1 lakh, only to about 50% of the 25,277 youths. If the situation persists, I don’t know how long the scheme will continue. Govt is ready to help the youths so that a work culture builds up. We must make this successful for the interest of the state.”Borah said the remaining beneficiaries will be re-evaluated in phases, with eligible applicants receiving the second tranche in accordance with scheme guidelines. The evaluation parameters include financial performance, record-keeping, employment generation and productivity.Under CMAAA 2.0, the govt has released the first tranche to 74,694 beneficiaries. Entrepreneurship Development Programme training has begun across districts for all beneficiaries and will be completed by July 31.As per CMAAA 2.0 norms, 75% of the approved assistance has been released as the first tranche, while the remaining 25% will be disbursed after successful completion of EDP training.Borah also asked banks to prioritise institutional credit linkage to help beneficiaries expand enterprises and generate jobs.
