Assam launches Orunudoi 3.0, to cover additional 12.5 lakh beneficiaries
Guwahati Sept 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Thursday that approximately 80 lakh (8 million) people in the state have been lifted out of poverty due to initiatives taken by the state government.
Sarma rolled out the flagship poverty alleviation scheme ‘Orunodoi 3.0’, covering 37.2 lakh beneficiaries for direct cash transfer.
The ‘Orunodoi 3.0’ has upped the number of beneficiaries by over 12.5 lakh people across the state from 24.6 lakh recipients of the second edition of this scheme, and thus became the largest state-run DBT initiative in Assam ever.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister claimed, “Because of these efforts, 80 lakh families in our state have been able to rise above the poverty line today.”
Sarma mentioned that these efforts were part of the government’s promises in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, and he expressed satisfaction in fulfilling them within 100 days of the polls.
He further explained that the government began distributing ration cards in September, aiming to complete the process by November. By January, the final selection of beneficiaries for the Orunodoi scheme will be concluded, with all necessary documents, such as affidavits, and portal registrations, completed.
Sarma highlighted that the government directly assists the underprivileged via the Orunodoi scheme, ration cards, and health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam initiatives.
“Under the Orunodoi scheme, beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 per month. The ration card allows for ₹200 worth of rice, which amounts to 5 kg. The Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam cards provide ₹5 lakh worth of annual health insurance coverage per family for medical treatments,” he said.
“Prior to these initiatives, no government schemes were offering such direct and holistic support to the poor. Through the ration card, individuals can access medical benefits under Ayushman Bharat, in addition to availing the food security provisions and financial aid from Orunodoi. I do not want to bring up the old-age and widow pensions in this context,” he said.
He explained that the government is now capable of providing essential services to economically disadvantaged individuals every month.
Sarma highlighted the importance of the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam schemes, which allow families to receive free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh in medical colleges or district hospitals.
