Assam to transfer Rs 3,600 crore to 40 lakh women under Orunodoi scheme

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries of the state’s Orunodoi scheme will receive Rs 9,000 each next week, marking what he described as a record single-day transfer under a government programme.

Speaking on Sunday on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Sarma said the payment will be credited on March 10.

“On March 10 at 10.30 am, 40 lakh Orunodoi families will receive Rs 9,000 each,” Sarma said in a Facebook Live.

The consolidated payment will include grants for four months along with an additional amount, taking the total transfer to Rs 3,600 crore in a single day, he said.

“On a single day, Rs 3,600 crore will be transferred to the beneficiaries, it will also be a record,” he claimed.

The Orunodoi scheme is a flagship poverty alleviation initiative of the Assam government, under which eligible women beneficiaries receive Rs 1,250 per month.

Sarma had earlier announced that payments for four months starting January this year, along with an additional amount for Bohag Bihu celebrations marking the Assamese New Year in mid-April, will be disbursed together in March.

The Chief Minister also said meetings will be organised at the local level across the state on the day of the transfer and invited beneficiary families to participate. He said the government’s work has been strengthened by the support of the people.

The announcement comes as the state prepares for Assembly elections, in which the BJP-led government will seek a third consecutive term.

Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s development, Sarma wrote in a post on X:

“Empowering women has been central to Assam’s growth story. From financial security to education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, our initiatives are helping lakhs of women step forward with confidence and independence.”

“Today, we celebrate the strength and spirit of Assam’s #NariShakti,” he added.

In another post on the platform, Sarma appealed for support for his party in the upcoming elections.

“One right vote can change the voice inside every home. The focus of @BJP4Assam has been to empower Assam’s #NariShakti and every action of ours has reflected this belief.”

Asserting that efforts to empower women will continue, he said people should “Choose wisely, choose BJP”.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in a separate post on the social media platform, said several initiatives by the central and state governments have benefited women in Assam.

According to the CMO, more than 59 lakh tap water connections and over 51 lakh Ujjwala gas connections for smoke-free kitchens have been provided in the state.

It also said more than 5.5 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ have been created, over 900 women-led startups have been launched, and 56,000 Anganwadi workers have been trained.

“On #WomensDay, we celebrate Assam’s unstoppable #NariShakti, who are securing futures, leading enterprises & shaping a #ViksitAssam,” the CMO added.

(With inputs from agencies)