Dibrugarh: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today rolled out the second phase of the Assam Micro-Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS), 2021 for regular EMI payers (Category-D) of the district at a function at Chowkidinghee ground here.

Out of some 25800 borrowers under Category-I (prompt payers) of the district, some 5097 borrowers were handed over a one-time incentive of Rs 25,000 or the outstanding balance, whichever is less through cheques. While launching the scheme here, the Chief Minister handed over cheques to some nine beneficiaries on the dais while the cheques to others were distributed from different counters set up at the function venue. The remaining borrowers falling under Category 1. will receive their cheques through the office of their re- respective Block Development Officer within a few days, informed the Chief Minister. Stating that he is committed to fulfilling his poll promise to either compensate or waive off microfinance loans of economically backward women, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that all the other borrowers who fall under Category-II (irregular payers) and category-III (ceased payment) will be covered in the next phases. He said that the outstanding balance of Category II will be paid while those under Category III will have to apply for the scheme through a portal. Those borrowers who have failed to repay their microfinance loans altogether will have to register at the portal and the State government will help them to repay their dues and get the NOC under certain conditions, said the Chief Minister.

The gathering today was also addressed by State Finance Minister Ajanta Neog. Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Power Minister Bimal Burah, and Union Minister of State Rameswar Teli.

Tea Tribes Welfare and Labour Minister Sanjay Kishan, Revenue Minister Jogen Mohan MLAs of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu were among the other dignitaries who attended the programme,