Guwahati: Assam doubled Orunodoi aid in four flood-hit districts as chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the scheme’s latest version.Women beneficiaries in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat received Rs 2,500 each this month as a special relief measure. Beneficiaries elsewhere received Rs 1,100 after contributing Rs 150 each towards flood relief.“The govt has today provided an opportunity for women to contribute Rs 150 towards relief for flood-affected families. Women from other areas will take pride in saying that they, too, have contributed to helping families affected by the floods,” Sarma said. He added that the initiative could set a precedent for assisting women elsewhere in Assam during disasters.Sarma said the govt planned to expand Orunodoi’s coverage and raise monthly assistance beyond the existing Rs 1,250. It also plans to introduce advance payments and enable beneficiaries to access bank loans against their benefits to promote financial inclusion and livelihoods.“The previous govt continued monthly assistance under the Orunodoi scheme until April 2026, after which payments were deferred following the formation of the new govt, as the state budget was yet to be passed. With the budget now passed, the govt has resumed disbursement to eligible families,” Sarma said.Under Orunodoi 3.0, over 37 lakh women across Assam will receive monthly assistance through direct benefit transfer. The state-level launch was held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, alongside programmes at over 3,500 locations.The scheme introduces Aadhaar-linked payments to prevent duplication and ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.“A small number of beneficiaries may face temporary delays as Aadhaar-bank account linkage is completed. The process is underway to ensure timely and seamless payment of benefits,” Sarma said.An “Orunodoi Sarothi” will be appointed in every assembly constituency to address enrolment, payment and other grievances.
