Assam Disburses Rs. 380 Crore To Support Orunodoi And Pension Schemes

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has released Rs. 380 crores to be distributed among the beneficiaries of the Orunodoi and pension schemes, which will offer vital financial support to the eligible women of the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on social media, adding that more than 43 lakh people would be notified about the financial assistance.

The Orunodoi scheme, which provides women with monthly financial assistance, ensures that funds are credited on the 10th of every month. In a bid to reduce fraudulent claims, the state government has tied the scheme to ration cards and distributed at least 20 lakh new cards to beneficiaries.

Highlighting the government's pledge towards food security, CM Sarma added that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was implemented in Assam in December 2015, benefiting around 2.51 crore people. He pointed out that 85% of rural dwellers and 60% of urban dwellers should be entitled to ration cards.

Following the recent Aadhaar linking of ration cards, 60 lakh additional cards have been issued, allowing for free rice distribution through biometric authentication. The Chief Minister also mentioned the successful roll-out of the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' programme, which allows beneficiaries to receive rations from anywhere in the country.

CM Sarma ensured that ration cards should be picked up between the 1st and 10th of every month, and bogus claims would not be accepted. During the 2023-24 financial year, more than 42.85 lakh new beneficiaries have been enrolled, with over 10.73 lakh new families getting ration cards in January alone. Families who possess ration cards will also be entitled to free medical care of up to Rs. 5 lakh in government hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam schemes.

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