The Assam government on Tuesday launched Orunodoi 3.0, the upgraded version of its flagship anti-poverty scheme, aimed at supporting 38 lakh women across the state through direct financial assistance and expanded welfare benefits.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurating the scheme in Guwahati, described it as a “journey of inclusion and empowerment” that has become a model for other states. “Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Maharashtra have also adopted the Orunodoi model. It is a matter of great pride that Assam is leading India’s movement to eradicate poverty,” he said.
In every polling booth in Assam, our Nari Shakti turned up in large numbers to bless us as we commenced Orunodoi 3.0 – the State’s biggest ever direct beneficiary transfer (DBT) effort. pic.twitter.com/wlxqg0kaWH
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 7, 2025
First introduced in 2020 during Sarma’s tenure as finance minister, the Orunodoi scheme initially covered 18 lakh families, providing ₹830 per month. The number of beneficiaries has since more than doubled, and the monthly aid has been enhanced to ₹1,250, along with an additional ₹250 LPG subsidy for families submitting gas documents.
Under Orunodoi 3.0, beneficiaries will also receive pulses, salt and sugar at subsidised rates starting November. “We also plan to provide edible oil at subsidised prices in the coming months,” Sarma announced.
To strengthen delivery and grievance redressal, the government will appoint an Orunodoi assistant in every development block, and a dedicated helpline will be launched soon. In case of a beneficiary’s death, families can apply for substitution with another eligible member, officials said.
Recalling the scheme’s launch during the Covid-19 crisis, Sarma said it had provided crucial support to the poor through direct benefit transfers (DBT) on the 10th of each month. He called Orunodoi 3.0 “not just financial assistance, but a debt we are repaying to our mothers for their sacrifices,” urging the Opposition to “support rather than criticise” the initiative.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s broader welfare push — citing free school admissions, distribution of bicycles and scooters for girls, and the Nijut Moina scheme promoting female education. He urged beneficiaries to keep their bank KYC details updated to prevent payment delays.
The BJP-led government, which has been in power since 2016, is expected to rely on welfare schemes like Orunodoi as a key electoral plank ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Sarma said the programme will cost the state exchequer ₹5,000 crore annually, directly benefiting poor households across Assam.
