Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the third phase of the Orunodoi scheme in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), stating that the financial support initiative has significantly contributed to the socio-economic empowerment of women across Assam. The scheme, which provides a monthly financial grant of Rs1,250 to beneficiary families, was rolled out for five districts of BTR, covering 4.12 lakh families initially. The launch, held at Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar, was delayed in BTR due to the BTC elections, having already been implemented in other parts of the State on October 7.
Sarma, after discussions with BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, informed that the scheme will ultimately benefit around 4.5 lakh women in BTR. This includes 1,20,854 beneficiaries in Kokrajhar, 60,676 in Baksa, 60,545 in Chirang, 61,578 in Tamulpur and 1,09,034 in Udalguri. “Currently, 38 lakh women in Assam have been brought under the ambit of Orunodoi,” the Chief Minister Stated, adding that the direct benefit transfer (DBT) of Rs1,250 on the 10th of every month has enhanced their socio-economic status.
He also announced that a special gift will be provided to all Orunodoi beneficiaries across Assam on January 1. Furthermore, from January 1, essential commodities (lentils, sugar and salt), currently supplied by the State Governmentat Rs117 per kg, will be provided at Rs 100 per kg. Sarma also Stated that women in BTR will receive cheques of Rs10,000 under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) by January 20. The Chief Minister added that a scheme similar to “Nijut Moina” for college-going girls would be announced on January 1.
Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, PHED Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, MLAs Rabiram Narzary, Lawrence Islary, Jiron Basumatary, former minister Pramila Rani Brahma, along with several dignitaries and senior officials were present on the occasion.
