Silchar: A ceremonial distribution of Grant-in-Aid financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) was held at Ashirbad Bibaha Bhawan on Circuit House Road in Silchar on Monday.

The programme was organised by the District Mission Management Unit (DMMU), Cachar, under the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), in collaboration with the Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Assam, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure in Scheduled Caste-dominated villages while promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The programme was attended by Assam Minister Kaushik Rai, Cachar District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta, IAS, Chairman of Cachar Zila Parishad Kankan Narayan Sikdar, Chief Executive Officer of Cachar Zila Parishad Dorothy Suchiang, ACS, along with other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting livelihood generation and economic empowerment of beneficiaries through government welfare schemes.

The event concluded with the dignitaries visiting exhibition stalls set up by Self Help Group (SHG) members and various line departments. The stalls showcased locally made products and livelihood initiatives, with the guests interacting with exhibitors and encouraging them to expand their enterprises and strengthen their businesses.