New Delhi, Dec 14 (FN Agency) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched the ‘Orunodoi 2.0’ scheme of the state government. “Our government has been extending economic and nutritional security to lakhs of financially vulnerable families across the state,” said Sarma after virtually launching the scheme from the conference hall of Assam House here. He said the greater version of Orunodoi is being launched to ensure the benefits reach the financially vulnerable and underprivileged families of the region. Altogether 10.54 lakh fresh beneficiaries have been newly added under the greater version of Orunodoi 2.0. With the new inclusion, the total number of beneficiaries in the state will be around 27 lakh, an official statement said.The total financial outlay for Orunodoi is Rs 4,142 crore per annum, making it one of the largest direct beneficiary transfer (DBT) schemes in the country, it added. Under Orunodoi, beneficiaries of Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme will also be enrolled and they will get Rs 1,200 per month, besides beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Divyangjan Pension Scheme, the statement said.
Later, the CM interacted with the members of the district-level monitoring committees (DLMCs) and asked them to ensure smooth and hassle-free implementation of the scheme. The conduct of DLMC meetings for finalisation of beneficiaries will take place from January 1 to 15, 2023 while distribution of application forms among selected beneficiaries on January 20. The collection and uploading of application forms in portal will be completed on February 28. Earlier, Principal Secretary, Finance, Samir Sinha delivered the welcome address while Commissioner and Secretary, Finance, Jayant Narlikar, gave a presentation on Orunodoi 2.0 Principal Resident Commissioner, New Delhi, Rajeev Chandra Joshi was also present. Orunodoi, the poverty alleviation scheme, launched on December 1, 2020, entails a monthly grant of Rs 1,250 to each beneficiary. It is one of 18 flagship schemes of the Government of Assam currently in operation. The scheme benefit is usually transferred to the bank account of each beneficiary by the 10th of every month.