Assam Government to Enhance Orunodoi Scheme Post-Elections
Expansion of Orunodoi Welfare Scheme
CM Sarma stated that larger households will be permitted to have two women beneficiaries under the scheme (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Guwahati, Apr 2: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has revealed plans to broaden the scope of the Orunodoi welfare initiative following the Assembly elections, introducing significant adjustments to enhance eligibility coverage.
During a series of election rallies in locations such as Goreswar in Tamulpur, Tangla in Udalguri, Tihu in Nalbari, and Hajo-Sualkuchi in Kamrup on Wednesday, Sarma indicated that the current policy of one beneficiary per family would be modified for larger households.
He mentioned that families with more members could now include two women beneficiaries in the scheme. “Since Orunodoi is associated with ration cards, these families will receive two ration cards, allowing two women from the same household to benefit,” he explained.
Additionally, Sarma announced that newly married women in these families would also be eligible for the scheme. “When a son marries, the bride will be included. This will be our wedding gift to the newlyweds,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister further committed to ensuring that all eligible women currently excluded from the scheme would be included after the elections.
Under the Orunodoi initiative, eligible women receive a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,250 directly deposited into their bank accounts. Presently, the scheme supports nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries throughout the state.
Emphasizing the government's commitment to welfare, Sarma noted that eligible families are already receiving free food grains and will also be provided with essential items like lentils, salt, sugar, and mustard oil.
Reinforcing the BJP-led government's reliability, he stated that public trust in politics had diminished due to unmet promises in the past, but his administration has worked diligently to regain that trust through effective implementation of its commitments.
In a pointed critique of the Opposition, Sarma accused the Congress party of endorsing a “pro-illegal immigrant” agenda. He referred to the Congress slogan ‘Natun Bor Asom’ (new greater Assam), claiming it aims to accommodate illegal immigrants.
“If Bangladeshi migrants settle in Assam, what will become of the rights of Assamese Muslims, Hindus, and our community? Assam belongs to Assamese and Indians,” he urged, calling on voters to back the BJP-led coalition in the upcoming elections on April 9.