₹3,600 crore has been disbursed to approximately 40 lakh families in Assam under the state's "Orunodoi" scheme, with payments directly credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. This represents one of the largest single-day direct benefit transfers in the state's history.
The disbursal includes a monthly payment and a special "Bihu bonus." Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the funds covered installments for four months, along with an additional ₹4,000 as a festival payout. This brings the total received by each beneficiary to ₹9,000. Sarma emphasized the role of bank accounts, particularly 'Jan Dhan' accounts, in the successful implementation of the scheme.
The "Orunodoi" scheme, described as a flagship poverty alleviation program, aims to provide financial support to economically weaker households. Currently, eligible women beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 per month. The Chief Minister claimed that the scheme has now covered about 90% of eligible women in the state.
Officials noted that the transfer is intended to strengthen financial support for women-led households. Sarma indicated that if the governing party retains power after the upcoming elections, there are plans to expand the scheme's coverage, increase payouts, and potentially arrange for the free distribution of essential commodities like sugar, salt, dal, and mustard oil. He also mentioned future plans for creating two lakh government jobs.
Scheme Evolution and Context
Initially, the "Orunodoi" scheme provided ₹830 per month, prioritizing women who are widows, unmarried, divorced, separated, or those with disabilities or serious illnesses. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the initial implementation phase of the scheme had encountered "irregularities."
The announcement and disbursement of funds coincide with the period leading up to assembly elections in Assam. Sarma, however, insisted that the additional payment was not an "election freebie." He positioned the scheme alongside other welfare initiatives, suggesting they have contributed to lifting people out of poverty and establishing a "comprehensive security net."
Other government initiatives mentioned as supporting women include the provision of over 59 lakh tap water connections and more than 51 lakh Ujjwala gas connections for smoke-free kitchens.