Assam Widens ‘Orunodoi’ Scheme to Benefit 38 Lakh Families in New Phase

On October 7, the Assam government officially launched Orunodoi 3.0, the latest phase of its flagship women-centric financial aid program, aimed at providing targeted support to families across the state. With this expansion, the scheme now covers over 38 lakh families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering women and addressing poverty at a large scale. The program has been widely recognized as a cornerstone initiative in Assam, focusing on the socio-economic upliftment of women by providing direct financial support to the most vulnerable households.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the official rollout ceremony in Guwahati and described Orunodoi 3.0 as the “largest anti-poverty initiative in Assam’s history.” Under the scheme, each beneficiary woman will now receive ₹1,250 per month, which includes an additional ₹250 subsidy for LPG cylinders. This financial support is intended not only to ease household expenses but also to enhance women’s agency in household decision-making and to promote financial inclusion across rural and urban communities. The scheme exemplifies a comprehensive approach toward poverty alleviation by directly addressing household economic needs and enabling beneficiaries to maintain a dignified standard of living.

Highlighting the impact of the scheme, the Chief Minister stated that Orunodoi has helped thousands of households overcome poverty and build a foundation for sustainable well-being. By providing a reliable and regular income stream, the program allows families to meet basic needs such as food, energy, and healthcare, thereby reducing financial vulnerability. Sarma emphasized that Orunodoi is aligned with the spirit of Antyodaya, reflecting a vision where no family, particularly women-headed households or marginalized families, is left behind. The program is designed to create a comprehensive support net for the people of Assam, ensuring that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries efficiently.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister highlighted the immediate impact of the expansion: “Rs 1,250 to over 38 lakh women instantly. Assam today expanded its flagship financial support scheme #Orunodoi3 to become the largest ever anti-poverty scheme in the state.” This statement underscores the scale of the initiative and its significance as a state-led anti-poverty measure, demonstrating Assam’s proactive approach to welfare delivery and women’s empowerment.

Sarma also teased a “special surprise” for beneficiaries to be revealed in February, though specific details were not disclosed. This announcement reflects the government’s continued efforts to engage with the beneficiaries and add value beyond the regular financial assistance, ensuring that the scheme remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of the people.

Apart from Orunodoi, the Assam government continues to maintain a wide range of welfare programs aimed at improving quality of life and social well-being. These initiatives include the provision of free rice, subsidized pulses, and LPG cylinders, as well as free education, incentives for girl child education, and free healthcare services. Together, these programs illustrate a multi-pronged approach to social welfare, combining direct financial support with essential services to ensure holistic development and empowerment of vulnerable communities in the state.

In summary, the launch of Orunodoi 3.0 represents a significant milestone in Assam’s social welfare efforts. By extending coverage to more than 38 lakh families and providing a monthly financial stipend, the scheme strengthens the state’s anti-poverty strategy, empowers women, and reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive growth. Alongside other welfare measures, Orunodoi 3.0 is expected to substantially improve household resilience, enhance living standards, and support long-term socio-economic development in Assam.