GUWAHATI: In a major announcement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Assam government would give financial aid to over 43 lakh beneficiaries under the Orunodoi scheme. The total support of Rs. 384 crore will be credited directly to the bank accounts of mainly women beneficiaries for fulfilling their basic needs.
On social media, CM Sarma stated, “It’s the 10th of April, and like every month, today is Pension and Orunodoi Day in Assam, our most comprehensive Jan Kalyan effort.” He emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to welfare.
The Orunodoi scheme, aimed to provide financial help for women, has been merged with ration cards for preventing fraudulent claims. The state government recently distributed 20 lakh new ration cards in Assam to increase transparency.
CM Sarma also emphasized the commitment of the government towards food security, pointing out that the National Food Security Act (NFSA), which came into effect in December 2015, already covers 2.51 crore people. He pointed out that 85 percent of rural and 60 percent of urban citizens are eligible for ration cards.
To ensure equitable distribution, the linking of ration cards with Aadhaar has led to the issuance of an additional 60 lakh cards, facilitating biometric verification for free rice distribution. The ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ initiative has been successfully rolled out, allowing beneficiaries to access provisions nationwide.
The Chief Minister promised that tough checks are being carried out to prevent bogus claims, and only those who deserve shall receive their rightful entitlements. Ration card-owning families will also be covered for free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam schemes.
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