37 lakh women receive first Orunodoi 3.0 instalment as Assam launches FY 2026-27 disbursement
The Assam Government on Saturday commenced the financial year 2026-27 disbursement under its flagship welfare programme, Orunodoi 3.0, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launching the first monthly instalment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 37 lakh women beneficiaries across the State.
The State-level programme was held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati, while similar events were organised simultaneously at over 3,500 locations across Assam, including Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), Village Development Committees (VDCs) and MAC areas.
As a special relief measure, beneficiaries residing in the flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat received an additional Rs 2,500 each to support their recovery from the recent floods.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma described Orunodoi as the State government’s flagship social welfare initiative, saying it has become a significant instrument for strengthening women’s financial security and promoting inclusive socio-economic development across Assam.
He said that while monthly assistance under the scheme had continued until April 2026, further disbursements were deferred following the formation of the new Government as the State budget had not yet been passed. With the budget now approved, the Government has resumed payments, reaffirming its commitment to providing uninterrupted welfare support to eligible families.
The Chief Minister also announced the introduction of an Aadhaar-linked payment system under Orunodoi 3.0, aimed at ensuring transparent, duplication-free and seamless transfer of benefits directly into beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
He acknowledged that some beneficiaries whose bank accounts are yet to be linked with Aadhaar may experience temporary delays in receiving the current instalment. However, he assured that the Government is facilitating Aadhaar-bank account linkage to ensure timely disbursement.
To improve implementation of the scheme, Sarma announced that the Government will appoint ‘Orunodoi Sarothi’ in every Legislative Assembly constituency. The functionaries will assist beneficiaries with enrolment, payment-related issues and other grievances associated with the scheme.
Outlining the future roadmap for Orunodoi, the Chief Minister said the Government is exploring the introduction of an advance payment facility for beneficiaries. He further stated that efforts are underway to enable beneficiaries to access bank credit by leveraging their Orunodoi benefits, a move aimed at promoting financial inclusion and livelihood opportunities.
He also announced plans to expand the scheme’s beneficiary base and increase the monthly financial assistance beyond the current Rs 1,250, further strengthening Assam’s social protection framework.
Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah also addressed the programme. The event was attended by MLAs Diplu Ranjan Sarma, Pradyut Bordoloi and Bijay Gupta, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, senior Government officials and beneficiaries from different parts of the State.
