Silchar: The Sakhi Express initiative will accelerate rural empowerment and take governance closer to the last mile, said Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, while addressing a scooter distribution ceremony under the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) at Udiyaman Mahila CMTC, Itkhola Bazar, on Thursday.

The Minister thanked Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for what he described as visionary, people-focused leadership. “Today in Silchar, 367 community cadres have received scooters under the Sakhi Express project.

This farsighted initiative will help self-help groups and women entrepreneurs become financially independent and socially stronger,” Rai said. He urged the beneficiaries to treat the scooters as tools of service and responsibility dedicated to rural upliftment.

Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty called the scheme a landmark in women’s empowerment and rural development. “Cadres are already trusted partners of SHG members and rural households. With these scooters, their reach and effectiveness will grow, ensuring government support touches every doorstep,” he said.

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, commended the work of ASRLM cadres and noted that Cachar has one of the lowest NPA rates in SHG loans across Assam. He added that mobility support would further deepen financial inclusion and expand women’s role in the district’s growth.

Cachar Zilla Parishad President Kankan Narayan Sikdar urged cadres to carry forward their mission in the spirit of Sakhi Bhabana. He described the scooters as a bridge of trust between government and rural communities.

Earlier, Cachar Zilla Parishad CEO Pranab Kumar Bora, ACS, welcomed participants and described the Sakhi Express as a transformative step in bridging rural-urban gaps. He stressed that the success of such efforts depends on the dedication and sincerity of the cadres.

Scooters were handed over to 367 community cadres representing various blocks of Cachar. Beneficiaries expressed joy, noting the vehicles would ease travel challenges and strengthen their ability to serve communities.

The ceremony, attended by senior dignitaries, officials, and community members, marked a milestone in Cachar’s efforts to empower women, strengthen livelihoods, and deliver governance at the grassroots.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally