Assam Government Disburses Rs 9,000 Each to 40 Lakh Women Under Orunodoi Scheme Ahead of Elections
In a significant pre-election financial disbursement, the BJP-led Assam government on Tuesday transferred Rs 9,000 each to approximately 40 lakh economically disadvantaged women beneficiaries through direct bank transfer under the Orunodoi scheme. This massive transfer represents one of the final major disbursals before the announcement of poll dates, highlighting the government's continued focus on welfare initiatives.
Chief Minister Announces New Welfare Promises for Potential Next Term
Addressing the people of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for the trust shown during his five-year tenure and promised "much better days" if the BJP is returned to power. He outlined several ambitious welfare commitments that would be implemented by the next government.
The proposed initiatives include:
- Creation of two lakh new employment opportunities across various sectors
- Provision of one kilogram each of salt, sugar, dal, and mustard oil plus half a kilogram of tea free of cost to households
- Enhanced financial assistance for women beneficiaries under existing welfare schemes
- Expanded support mechanisms for youth entrepreneurs and small business owners
Details of the Orunodoi Scheme Disbursement
The Orunodoi scheme, launched in 2020, stands as one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs in Assam. The recent disbursement included multiple components designed to provide comprehensive support to beneficiaries.
The Rs 9,000 transfer comprised:
- Regular monthly assistance of ₹1,250 covering two pending months (January-February)
- Current month's assistance (March)
- Advance payment for April
- A special Bihu festival bonus of ₹4,000 for each beneficiary
Political Context and Welfare Philosophy
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the financial support under Orunodoi represents gratitude-driven welfare rather than election-time sops. He stressed the continuity of the program, which has been operational for nearly six years, making Assam the first state to implement direct benefit transfers specifically for women beneficiaries.
"We have been doing this for the last six years, and Assam was the first state to introduce direct benefit transfers for women beneficiaries," Sarma stated. "If it were about elections, everyone would have been included. These are not freebies."
The chief minister explained that the scheme operates under seven clear eligibility criteria covering widows, divyang individuals, families with cancer patients, divorced women, and women in distress situations. This targeted approach ensures assistance reaches those most in need while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Broader Welfare Ecosystem and Impact Assessment
The Orunodoi disbursement complements other welfare initiatives, particularly the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), under which 28.61 lakh women entrepreneurs have already received Rs 10,000 seed capital each as of February. This comprehensive approach to women's empowerment has reportedly been adopted in Bihar, where similar programs contributed to the NDA's sweeping victory in recent assembly elections.
"From food security and monthly assistance for women to housing, education, and jobs, we have sought to cover every critical need — and succeeded to a great extent," Sarma remarked, highlighting the government's multi-faceted approach to poverty alleviation.
Implementation and Outreach
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Sarma addressed a gathering of women beneficiaries centrally in Guwahati while simultaneously connecting virtually with participants across 3,800 public programs organized at gaon panchayats, autonomous council constituencies, and village development committees throughout the state. This massive outreach effort demonstrates the scale of the government's welfare distribution network.
The chief minister asserted that the BJP's electoral strength derives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership rather than specific welfare schemes. "Our strength in the polls comes from Prime Minister Modi's leadership, not from these schemes," Sarma stated. "These are ongoing programs, continuing as part of our commitment to welfare."
He further highlighted the tangible results of Orunodoi, noting how the scheme has effectively demonstrated targeted poverty alleviation in practice. "Lakhs of people have been pulled out of poverty & together with other schemes, a comprehensive security net has been laid to ensure they remain poverty-free," Sarma explained, emphasizing the program's role in creating sustainable economic improvement for vulnerable populations.
