GUWAHATI, Dec 1 - Chief Minister Sarbananada Sonowal today launched �Orunodoi�, a direct benefit transfer scheme through which the government would transfer Rs 830 per month to the bank account of one of the female members of the family.
The programme was held at Amingaon�s Numali Jalah Parade Ground.
The scheme has been rolled out with 17 lakh odd families as beneficiaries. The scheme would soon cover nearly 22 lakh families and the state government would have to shell out Rs 2,400 crore every year for the scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, �Government of Assam is committed to building a socio-economically oriented women development narrative as the Orunodoi scheme would serve as a big fillip to the empowerment of women�.
He said based on the doctrine of Sabka Saath, Sabka Bikash and Sabka Viswas, the present state government since the time of assuming power has been working for the socio-economic and academic development of all sections of people.
He also said his government sincerely believes that every resident of Assam should live with dignity and therefore, the government has been launching several schemes.
Stating that without the help and cooperation of all sections of people, no government programme can succeed, Sonowal urged upon the people, including the journalists, to extend cooperation and maintain a close watch on the performance of the government.
Stating that the Orunodoi scheme is an endeavour to lend prestige and dignity to the women of the State, the Chief Minister thanked Finance Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and his team in the Finance department for conceiving a scheme through which the womenfolk would receive monthly financial assistance.
Minister Dr Sarma, while speaking on the occasion, said through the scheme, the state government has cleared the decks for ensuring secured monthly income to the beneficiaries of 22 lakh families in the State. He said under the scheme, widow, unmarried women, divorcee and differently-abled persons would get special preference.
Dr Sarma said the present government has provided free enrolment to seven lakh students along with launching a scheme of insurance cover for students and others for the development of an academic atmosphere in the State.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister and the Health Minister ceremoniously handed over sanction letters to a few beneficiaries.
