Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the state government has resumed providing monthly financial assistance to over 37 lakh women under the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme. This marks the first major budget announcement to be implemented and the first flagship programme rolled out after the BJP-led government returned to power in the May Assembly elections.
The Orunodoi scheme has evolved into a dependable social security framework that empowers economically weaker families while promoting financial inclusion across the state. The latest phase of the scheme has introduced several reforms aimed at improving transparency, convenience, and accessibility for beneficiaries. One of the key reforms is the introduction of Aadhaar-based beneficiary verification to ensure that financial assistance reaches only genuine recipients while eliminating duplication and irregularities.
To strengthen last-mile service delivery, dedicated ‘Orunodoi Sarathis’ will be deployed in every Assembly constituency. These personnel will assist beneficiaries with enrolment, grievance redressal, and other support services related to the scheme. The government has also announced plans to introduce an interest-free micro-credit facility linked to the scheme, allowing eligible beneficiaries to avail loans of up to Rs 15,000 annually against their future Orunodoi entitlement without paying any interest.
The loan repayments will be adjusted from their subsequent monthly assistance. Additionally, beneficiaries who prefer borrowing through banks will also be able to access loans under a similar repayment mechanism, with instalments deducted seamlessly from their monthly Orunodoi benefits. The government remains committed to continuously strengthening the scheme to make it more accessible, responsive, and empowering for women and economically vulnerable households across Assam.
The Orunodoi scheme, launched in 2020, is the Assam government’s flagship direct benefit transfer programme aimed at providing monthly financial assistance to women from low-income families to support household expenses and improve their quality of life.
