The Orunodoi (Arunodoi) Scheme is one of Assam’s flagship social welfare initiatives launched on 2nd October 2020. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of ₹1,250 per month directly into the bank accounts of women from economically weaker households through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
This monthly support is designed to help families meet essential needs such as food, medicine, and cooking fuel. Around 27.61 lakh families in Assam are benefiting from the scheme, making it one of the largest DBT welfare programs in India.
The scheme was first announced in the 2020–21 Assam Budget by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma (then Finance Minister, now Chief Minister). He described it as the “foremost bead” among the Ashtadash Mukuta Unnoyonee Maala (18 jewels of development).
Key Highlights of Orunodoi Scheme
- Name of Scheme: Orunodoi (Arunodoi) Scheme
- Launched by: Government of Assam
- Implemented by: Assam Finance Department
- Amount Provided: ₹1,250 per month
- Beneficiaries: Women from poor families
- Application Mode: Offline
- Launch Date: 2nd October 2020
- Official Website: finance.assam.gov.in
How the ₹1,250 is Distributed
Each beneficiary family receives a fixed monthly support of ₹1,250, broken down as follows:
| Purpose | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Medicines | 400 |
| Pulses (subsidy on 4 kg) | 200 |
| Sugar (subsidy on 4 kg) | 80 |
| Fruits & Vegetables | 150 |
| Essential Goods | 170 |
| LPG Gas | 200 |
| Total | 1250 |
This ensures families can cover nutrition, health, and daily essentials without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the scheme, the applicant must:
- Be a permanent resident of Assam.
- Currently reside in Assam.
- Belong to a household with:
- Annual income below ₹2 lakh, OR
- A family member with disabilities or chronic illnesses, OR
- Beneficiary of widow or disability pension schemes.
Priority is given to:
- Widows, divorced, or unmarried women above 45 years.
- Families with specially-abled members.
- Households without pucca houses or adult members.
- Female-headed households.
- Victims of trafficking or rape (officially recorded).
Exclusion Criteria
Families will not be eligible if:
- Any member is an MLA, MP, or Panchayat/ULB representative.
- Any member is a government employee (serving/retired).
- Household owns more than 15 bighas of land or a four-wheeler/AC.
- Family pays income tax.
- Household has large residential or commercial property.
Selection Process
- Preliminary List prepared at Gaon Panchayat / Village Council / Urban Local Body level.
- LAC-level Compilation done by District Committees.
- District Monitoring Committee prioritizes and finalizes the beneficiary list.
- Amount credited directly to the bank account of the nominated woman every month (10th day).
Benefits of Orunodoi Scheme
- Financial aid of ₹1,250/month to 27 lakh families.
- Direct transfer ensures transparency and zero middlemen.
- Helps families with nutrition, healthcare, and cooking fuel costs.
- Recognized as one of the largest DBT programs in India with an outlay of ₹4,142 crore annually.
- Women are the primary beneficiaries, strengthening their role in family well-being.
How to Apply
The application process is offline. Eligible families can apply through their Gaon Panchayat office by following these steps:
- Collect the application form from the Gaon Panchayat.
- Fill out the form carefully.
- Attach documents – Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN, Bank Passbook.
- Submit the form at the Gaon Panchayat office.
- Orunodoi Sahayaks will assist with the Detailed Application Form (DAF).
- Selected beneficiaries will receive monthly assistance via DBT.