Empowering women matters: Assam to disburse Rs 3,600 crore to 40 lakh families under Orunodoi scheme; Celebrations aligned with International Women’s Day

Guwahati: Emphasising that “women empowerment has been central to Assam’s growth story,” CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries of the Orunodoi scheme will receive Rs 9,000 each on Tuesday.Marking International Women’s Day, Sarma said the consolidated payment — covering grants for four months along with an additional amount — will be released on Tuesday. He added that the transfer would amount to a record single-day bank transfer of Rs 3,600 crore under a govt scheme.“On March 10 at 10.30 am, 40 lakh Orunodoi families will receive Rs 9,000 each. In a single day, Rs 3,600 crore will be transferred to the beneficiaries. This will also be a record,” Sarma said during a Facebook live session.Orunodoi is Assam’s flagship poverty alleviation scheme under which eligible women beneficiaries receive Rs 1,250 per month.On the occasion, meetings will be held at the local level across the state. The Chief Minister invited beneficiary families to attend the gatherings, stating that the government’s strength lies in the support of the people.Sarma had earlier announced that payments for four months from January, along with an additional amount for Bohag Bihu celebrations (marking the Assamese New Year in mid-April), will be disbursed together in March.Highlighting the govt’s focus on women’s development, Sarma wrote in a post on X: “Empowering women has been central to Assam’s growth story. From financial security to education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, our initiatives are helping lakhs of women step forward with confidence and independence.”“Today, we celebrate the strength and spirit of Assam’s Nari Shakti,” he added.In another post seeking support for the party ahead of the elections, Sarma said, “One right vote can change the voice inside every home. The focus of the BJP has been to empower Assam’s Nari Shakti, and every action of ours reflects this belief.”Asserting that the effort to empower women will continue with greater vigour, he appealed to voters to “choose wisely” and support BJP.