Guwahati: In a major initiative to support women, the Assam government has disbursed Rs. 380 crore to beneficiaries of the Orunodoi and pension schemes.
The funds were transferred on Monday as part of the state’s flagship programme aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible women.
The Orunodoi scheme ensures monthly cash benefits to women on the 10th of every month.
Announcing the disbursement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared on social media, “Credited: Pension and Orunodoi for the month of March. Over 43 lakh people will get this message as we transfer over Rs. 380 crore to the people of Assam in a short while from now.”
To enhance transparency and eliminate fraudulent claims, the government has linked the Orunodoi scheme with ration cards.
Recently, the administration distributed 20 lakh new ration cards to beneficiaries across the state.
Sarma highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring food security for Assam’s population.
He noted that the National Food Security Act (NFSA), implemented in the state in December 2015, has benefited around 2.51 crore people by addressing their nutritional needs.
He emphasised that 85% of rural residents and 60% of urban inhabitants are entitled to ration cards. Linking ration cards with Aadhaar has further streamlined the process, enabling the issuance of an additional 60 lakh cards.
These efforts have facilitated free rice distribution through biometric verification.
The chief minister lauded the successful implementation of the “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme, operational for the past three years.
This initiative allows beneficiaries to access provisions anywhere in the country.
He also reassured the public that measures are in place to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that deserving families receive their benefits.
For the fiscal year 2023-24, over 42.85 lakh new beneficiaries have been included under various welfare programs.
In January alone, 10.73 lakh new families received ration cards, benefitting more than 52 lakh people.
Families holding ration cards are also entitled to free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam schemes, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access to the needy.
This initiative reflects the Assam government’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and improving their quality of life.
