Post-polls, Assam CM to expand Orunodoi; two beneficiaries in larger families
Sarma says newlywed brides in eligible households will be included, calling it a ‘wedding gift’ under expanded scheme
CM Sarma said households with more members would be allowed to have two women beneficiaries under the scheme (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Guwahati, Apr 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that his government’s flagship Orunodoi welfare scheme will be expanded after the Assembly elections, with key relaxations aimed at increasing coverage among eligible households.
Addressing a series of election rallies at Goreswar in Tamulpur, Tangla in Udalguri, Tihu in Nalbari district, and Hajo-Sualkuchi in Kamrup on Wedsnesday, Sarma announced that the existing one-family-one-beneficiary norm would be eased for larger families.
He said households with more members would be allowed to have two women beneficiaries under the scheme. “As Orunodoi is linked to ration cards, such families will be issued two ration cards so that two women from the same household can benefit,” he said.
Sarma also said newly married women in such families would be brought under the scheme. “When a son gets married, the bride will be included. That will be our wedding gift to the newlyweds,” he added.
The Chief Minister further assured that all eligible women currently left out of the scheme would be covered after the polls.
Under Orunodoi, eligible women receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,250 directly in their bank accounts. The scheme currently covers nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries across the state.
Highlighting the government’s welfare push, Sarma said eligible families were already receiving free food grains and would also be provided essential commodities such as lentils, salt, sugar and mustard oil.
Asserting that the BJP-led government delivers on its promises, he said public trust in politics had eroded earlier due to unfulfilled assurances, but his government had worked to restore confidence by implementing its commitments.
Stepping up his attack on the Opposition, Sarma accused the Congress of promoting what he described as a “pro-illegal immigrant” agenda. Referring to the Congress slogan ‘Natun Bor Asom’ (new greater Assam), he alleged it was aimed at accommodating illegal immigrants.
“If Bangladeshi migrants come to Assam, what will happen to Assamese Muslims, Hindus and our rights? Assam is for Assamese and Indians,” he said, urging voters to support the BJP-led alliance in the April 9 elections.
PTI