Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Launches Orunodoi 3.0 to Empower Women in Assam
Guwahati (Assam), September 19: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the third phase of the Orunodoi scheme, aimed at empowering women across Assam. This phase will benefit 37.2 lakh people, providing Rs 1250 per month to each beneficiary.
Distribution of Ration Cards
In addition to Orunodoi 3.0, the Chief Minister also started distributing ration cards to 19,92,167 people, ensuring they receive free food grains every month. The government will spend over Rs 440 crore per month on this initiative, which also includes free treatment under Ayushman Bharat.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that Orunodoi 3.0 will prioritize destitute women, divyangs (differently-abled), widows, transgenders, and other vulnerable groups. Families with an income below Rs 2 lakh are eligible to apply. The state will spend Rs 467 crore per month on this scheme.
Comprehensive Social Security
The Chief Minister stated that Orunodoi 3.0, along with the new ration cards, will form a comprehensive social security net covering nutritional, financial, medical, and ancillary needs. This initiative fulfills a promise made during the Lok Sabha elections.
Success of Previous Phases
Orunodoi 1.0 and 2.0 have already benefited 24.60 lakh people. The addition of more than 12 lakh new beneficiaries in Orunodoi 3.0 aims to further improve lives. Initially, beneficiaries received Rs 830, but this has now been increased to Rs 1250 per month.
Exclusions and Future Plans
Current and former MPs, MLAs, government employees, and those with four-wheeled vehicles or more than 15 bighas of land are excluded from the scheme. The implementation of Orunodoi 3.0 is expected to be completed by January 2025, with existing beneficiaries continuing to receive their benefits.
Inspiration for Other States
The Orunodoi scheme has inspired similar women’s empowerment programs in other states, such as the Ladli Behna scheme in Madhya Pradesh and the Mahtari Vandana Yojana in Chhattisgarh.
Doubts Revealed
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, like a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Himanta Biswa Sarma -: Himanta Biswa Sarma is the current Chief Minister of Assam, a state in India.
Orunodoi 3.0 -: Orunodoi 3.0 is the third phase of a special program in Assam that gives money to help people, especially women, every month.
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India, known for its tea gardens and rich culture.
37.2 lakh -: 37.2 lakh means 3,720,000 people. In India, ‘lakh’ is a term used to represent 100,000.
Rs 1250 -: Rs 1250 means 1250 Indian Rupees, which is the money given to each person every month under the Orunodoi scheme.
Ration cards -: Ration cards are special cards that allow people to get food and other essentials at a lower price or for free.
Ayushman Bharat -: Ayushman Bharat is a health insurance scheme in India that helps poor people get free medical treatment.
Vulnerable groups -: Vulnerable groups are people who need extra help, like the elderly, poor, or disabled.
Social security net -: A social security net is a system to help people with money, food, and healthcare when they need it.
Excludes certain groups -: This means some people are not allowed to be part of the scheme, like those who are already well-off.
January 2025 -: January 2025 is the month and year by which the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme is expected to be fully working.