Guwahati – On March 10, 2026, the Assam government made a big move to help poor families. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma started the transfer of Rs 9,000 to each of nearly 40 lakh women under the Orunodoi scheme. This is one of the largest money transfers in a single day in the state. The total amount given out is about Rs 3,600 crore. It comes just before the Assam Assembly elections, and many people are talking about it.
The Orunodoi scheme started in 2020. It gives monthly help of Rs 1,250 to women from low-income families. This money helps them buy food, medicine, and other basic things. The scheme picks families where the yearly income is less than Rs 2 lakh. Women are the main receivers because the government thinks they handle family money better. Over the years, it has reached millions of homes in Assam.
This time, the Rs 9,000 is not just the usual monthly amount. It covers four months from January to April 2026, which is Rs 5,000. Plus, there is an extra Rs 4,000 as a bonus for Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year in mid-April. Chief Minister Sarma said this during the event in Guwahati. He was at the Jyoti-Bishnu Kala Kshetra, where a big program was held to mark the transfer.
Sarma spoke to the people there. He said, “This is not an election gift. It is our duty to help the poor. We have given Rs 17,000 crore under Orunodoi so far. Today, we add Rs 3,600 crore more. If BJP comes back to power, we will raise the monthly amount even higher.” He pointed out that the money goes straight to bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). No middlemen are involved, so it reaches the right people fast.
The transfer started at 10:30 AM. Meetings were held in every panchayat across Assam, even in areas like Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and Bodoland. Women got alerts on their phones about the money coming in. Many shared their joy on social media and in local news.
Background of the Orunodoi Scheme
The Orunodoi scheme is a key program of the Assam government. It means “sunlight” in Assamese, and it aims to bring light to poor homes. When it began in December 2020, it covered about 19 lakh families. Now, under Orunodoi 3.0, it has grown to 40 lakh beneficiaries. The government says this growth shows their work to reach more people.
To get into the scheme, families must apply. They need to show proof of income and other details. Women are chosen as the head for this aid because studies show they spend more on family needs like health and education. The monthly Rs 1,250 helps buy things like pulses, sugar, tea, and oil. It also covers some medical costs.
Over time, the scheme has changed. In the beginning, it was Rs 830 per month. Then it went up to Rs 1,000, and now Rs 1,250. The government links it to other programs like free rice under the National Food Security Act. Together, these help reduce poverty in Assam.
Assam has many poor areas, especially in villages and tea gardens. Floods and other problems make life hard. Orunodoi tries to fix this by giving steady money. A report from the state says it has helped women start small businesses or save for kids’ school.
The Event and How the Transfer Happened
The main event was in Guwahati. Chief Minister Sarma was the chief guest. He pressed a button to start the transfers. On the stage, there were other leaders and some beneficiaries. The backdrop had the Orunodoi logo, a pink lotus with the name in Assamese.
Women from different parts of Assam came to the program. They wore traditional clothes like mekhela chador. Many cheered and raised hands when the transfer was announced. One woman told a news channel, “This money will help me buy books for my children and some medicine for my mother.”
The government used technology to make it smooth. All beneficiaries have bank accounts linked to Aadhaar. The money was sent through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). This way, there is no delay or leak. By evening, most women had got the amount.
In villages, local leaders held small meetings. They showed live updates on screens. People clapped and thanked the government. Some shared stories of how Orunodoi changed their lives. For example, a tea garden worker said the monthly money helped her family eat better during tough times.
Breakdown of the Rs 9,000 Amount
Let us look at how the Rs 9,000 is made up. The usual monthly aid is Rs 1,250. For four months (January to April 2026), it is Rs 1,250 x 4 = Rs 5,000. The extra Rs 4,000 is for Bihu festival. Bihu is a big time in Assam, with dances, food, and gifts. The bonus helps families celebrate without worry.
Chief Minister Sarma explained this in his speech. He said, “We know Bihu is coming. Families need extra money for clothes and sweets. This bonus is our way to join the joy.” He also said the four months’ payment together saves time and cost for the government.
The total Rs 3,600 crore is a record for Assam. It shows the state’s budget for welfare. The money comes from state funds, not central help. Sarma said they have saved by cutting waste and fighting corruption.
Political Context and Criticism
This transfer comes at a key time. Assam Assembly elections are expected soon, maybe in April 2026. The Election Commission may announce dates any day. Opposition parties like Congress say it is a way to win votes.
A Congress leader said, “This is enticement. Why give lump sum now? It is to influence women voters.” They point out that women are a big vote bank in Assam. In past elections, schemes like this helped BJP win.
But Sarma denied it. He said, “We announced this on International Women’s Day, March 8. It is about empowering women, not elections.” He added that the scheme started long before polls.
This is part of a bigger trend in India. Many states have cash schemes for women. A report says 12 states, including Assam, will spend Rs 1.68 lakh crore on such programs by 2025-26. States like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Karnataka have similar plans. They aim to boost women’s role in economy.
In Assam, BJP uses Orunodoi to show their work. Sarma said if they win again, the monthly amount will go up. This promise is to keep support from poor families.
Reactions from Beneficiaries
Many women are happy. In Guwahati, a beneficiary named Rina Das said, “I got the alert on my phone. Rs 9,000 is a lot for us. I can pay off some debts and buy seeds for farming.” Another woman from a village said, “Orunodoi has been a lifeline. This extra money is like a gift.”
Some shared on social media. Posts show screenshots of bank messages. One post said, “Thank you CM Sarma for this help. It will make our Bihu better.”
But not all are happy. Some say the scheme misses people. A few complain about delays in past payments. The government says they are fixing issues.
Broader Impact on Assam’s Economy and Society
Orunodoi is more than money. It helps reduce poverty. A study by the state shows families use the aid for health and education. Women feel more independent. They can decide on spending.
In Assam, women face many challenges. Low jobs, health issues, and floods. Schemes like this give support. It also links to other programs like Self Help Groups (SHGs). Many women in SHGs get Orunodoi.
The scheme boosts local economy. When families spend, shops and markets grow. During Bihu, the bonus will increase sales.
Nationally, it fits PM Modi’s goal of women-led development. Central schemes like Lakhpati Didi aim to make women earn more. Assam’s Orunodoi adds to this.
Similar Schemes in Other States
Assam is not alone. In Karnataka, Gruha Lakshmi gives Rs 2,000 per month to women heads. In West Bengal, Kanyashree helps girls stay in school. Tamil Nadu has Pudhu Penn scheme.
A report notes these schemes cost a lot but help growth. They increase women’s work force participation. In India, only 37% women work, low compared to world. Cash help can change this.
In poll times, such schemes are common. Parties promise more to win women votes.
Future of Orunodoi
Sarma hinted at changes. If BJP wins, monthly aid may rise to Rs 2,500 or more. They plan to add more families. But opposition wants better checks to avoid misuse.
The scheme will continue. It has become a key part of Assam’s welfare.
FAQs
What is the Orunodoi scheme?
The Orunodoi scheme is a poverty alleviation program by the Assam government. It provides monthly financial aid of Rs 1,250 to women from low-income families. Launched in 2020, it aims to help with basic needs like food, health, and utilities. Families with annual income below Rs 2 lakh qualify, and the money is transferred directly to bank accounts.
Who are the beneficiaries of the Rs 9,000 transfer?
Nearly 40 lakh women from poor families across Assam received Rs 9,000 each on March 10, 2026. These are existing beneficiaries under Orunodoi 3.0. The scheme targets women as they are seen as better managers of household finances.
How is the Rs 9,000 calculated?
It includes Rs 5,000 for four months (January to April 2026) at Rs 1,250 per month, plus Rs 4,000 as a Bihu bonus for the Assamese New Year celebrations in April.
Why was the transfer done now?
The government announced it on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026, to emphasize women’s empowerment. It coincides with pre-election timing, but CM Sarma says it’s part of ongoing welfare efforts.
Is this related to elections?
Opposition parties call it a vote-buying move ahead of Assam Assembly elections. However, the government denies this, stating it’s a regular update to the scheme.
How can one apply for Orunodoi?
Applications are through local offices or online portals. Need income proof, Aadhaar, bank details. Selection is based on criteria like family income and no government job holders.
What is the total amount disbursed under Orunodoi so far?
Over Rs 17,000 crore has been given since 2020, with Rs 3,600 crore added on March 10, 2026.