Guwahati, Dec 23: The Assam government has identified 682 government employees who unlawfully availed benefits under the Orunodoi 2.0 scheme, a flagship financial assistance programme intended for economically disadvantaged families.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced after a cabinet meeting in Dibrugarh on Monday that departmental proceedings will be initiated against these employees.
Orunodoi 2.0 provides Rs. 1,250 monthly to eligible beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The program explicitly excludes government employees from eligibility.
“We have detected them from the database of Orunodoi 2.0. According to the rules, government employees are not entitled to benefits from the scheme. Their names have been removed as beneficiaries, and departmental proceedings will be initiated,” said Sarma.
The Chief Minister further stated that the benefits these employees received would be recovered from their salaries. Their identities, including names and addresses, will soon be made public.
In addition, 26 other beneficiaries were excluded from the scheme after it was revealed that they were paying GST. The rules disqualify individuals paying GST from receiving Orunodoi benefits.
With Orunodoi 2.0 now closed, the Assam government is preparing to launch Orunodoi 3.0.
“Year of the Book” and Assam Book Fair
The state government has declared 2025 as the “Year of the Book.” The Education Department has been directed to develop a comprehensive action plan to promote reading and literature.
As part of this initiative, the Assam Book Fair will be held at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara ahead of Republic Day celebrations. Ministers and government departments are encouraged to participate and purchase books.
Establishment of Assam International Skill Centre
The cabinet also approved the establishment of the Assam International Skill Centre using a hub-and-spoke model. Guwahati will serve as the hub, with satellite centres in district headquarters. This initiative aims to enhance skill development opportunities for the state’s youth.
Remuneration to Gaon Burah
The government announced a monthly remuneration of Rs. 9,000 for headmen of forest villages across the state. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to support local governance and forest community welfare.
