Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the official rollout date of Orunodoi 3.0, a flagship women-centric welfare scheme. The next phase of the programme will launch on September 17, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The chief minister made the announcement during a public address in Dhemaji on Thursday. He stated that the new phase will mark a significant leap in Assam’s welfare landscape, with more women expected to benefit from this targeted financial support initiative.
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Expanding Financial Inclusion Through Orunodoi 3.0
The Orunodoi scheme, first launched in December 2020, aims to provide direct financial assistance to economically disadvantaged women across Assam. Under the initiative, selected beneficiaries receive monthly monetary support directly in their bank accounts. The upcoming third phase is expected to include additional beneficiaries and increase efficiency in fund delivery.
CM Sarma emphasized that this version of Orunodoi would focus more sharply on financial inclusion, digital monitoring, and streamlined delivery mechanisms. He added that improvements would help reach more households in remote regions and marginalized communities.
Why September 17?
Choosing September 17 as the launch date is both symbolic and strategic. The date marks Prime Minister Modi’s birthday, and CM Sarma noted that launching the scheme on this occasion is a tribute to the prime minister’s vision of empowering women and uplifting the poor.
“What better day to empower women than the birthday of our Prime Minister, who has always stood for women-led development?” Sarma said during the event. This gesture reflects the state’s alignment with the Centre’s larger social welfare goals.
Target Groups and Criteria
The Orunodoi scheme specifically targets women who are heads of households, single women, and those from economically weaker backgrounds. With the upcoming version, the Assam government is working to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left behind.
According to the chief minister, the new enrollment drive will include women from rural areas, tea garden communities, and minority-dominated belts. Special teams will conduct verification camps to avoid duplication and fraud.
Monthly Support and Budgetary Allocations
Currently, beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 per month, which helps cover essential household needs such as food, medicines, and utility bills. Though there is no official word yet on whether this amount will be increased under Orunodoi 3.0, sources indicate that the government may enhance benefits or introduce category-based payment slabs.
The state has already allocated ₹4,000 crore for the scheme in the current financial year, demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring its successful execution. CM Sarma said, “We are willing to spend more if it means every deserving woman is reached.”
Digital Reforms to Ensure Transparency
One of the highlights of Orunodoi 3.0 will be digitally-enabled transparency. All beneficiary data will be stored in a centralised system monitored through the Orunodoi portal. The government has also developed a mobile application that allows women to check their eligibility, payment status, and report any issues.
Officials believe that such tech-driven tools will help eliminate delays, middlemen, and misuse of public funds. Sarma pointed out that digital reforms are critical for transforming governance and delivering real-time benefits.
Ground-Level Execution and Timeline
Local administration units have already begun the groundwork for implementing the next phase. Block-level officers and panchayats are tasked with preparing updated lists of potential beneficiaries. This is expected to be completed by early September.
The state cabinet will also meet ahead of the launch to finalize guidelines, resolve logistical bottlenecks, and approve last-minute budgetary changes. Officials have assured that the September 17 timeline will be met without any compromise on due diligence.
Societal Impact and Beneficiary Voices
Since its inception, Orunodoi has been widely appreciated for its impact on household welfare. Beneficiaries have reported improved access to nutrition, healthcare, and education for children.
Rina Das, a 42-year-old single mother from Dibrugarh, said, “The monthly amount from Orunodoi has helped me pay for my daughter’s school fees. I am grateful that the scheme is being expanded.”
CM Sarma underlined that such testimonials validate the importance of targeted financial assistance. He added that Orunodoi is more than just a scheme—it’s a movement toward dignity, self-reliance, and economic security for women.
Political and Strategic Implications
Apart from welfare considerations, the scheme also holds political significance. Assam will head into panchayat and municipal polls in the near future, and Orunodoi 3.0 is expected to boost the ruling BJP’s appeal among women voters.
While opposition leaders have acknowledged the scheme’s impact, they have also demanded greater transparency and wider inclusion of deserving candidates. However, the government maintains that the initiative is non-partisan and entirely need-based.
Looking Ahead
With Orunodoi 3.0, Assam is set to deepen its social welfare infrastructure and enhance last-mile delivery. The state government’s decision to align the launch with PM Modi’s birthday adds emotional and political weight to the initiative.
As the countdown begins for September 17, all eyes are now on how effectively the government executes this ambitious plan—and how it transforms the lives of thousands of women across Assam.
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