Syllabus: GS II & V:  Governance, Social Justice, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Government of Assam, under Chief Minister, officially launched Orunodoi 3.0, the third phase of the state’s flagship Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.
Through this expanded version, over 38 lakh women beneficiaries across Assam will now receive ₹1,250 per month directly into their bank accounts. The new phase strengthens the welfare net by bringing more marginalized women, including widows, single women, transgender persons, and differently-abled households, under its ambit.
Districts across the state — from Dibrugarh and Jorhat to Dima Hasao — launched the scheme simultaneously, reflecting a coordinated and decentralized welfare rollout.

About the Orunodoi 3.0 Scheme

Launched in December 2020, the Orunodoi scheme aims to provide direct financial assistance to economically vulnerable women, ensuring a steady income to meet essential household expenses.
The third iteration (Orunodoi 3.0) enhances the inclusivity, reach, and transparency of the earlier versions, aligning with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and women-led development.

Key Features of Orunodoi 3.0

• Financial Assistance: ₹1,250 per month to women beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Coverage: Over 38 lakh women across all districts of Assam.
• Implementing Department: Department of Finance, Government of Assam.
• Mode of Transfer: Directly credited to bank accounts to eliminate intermediaries.
• Eligibility Expansion: Includes widows, unmarried and divorced women, transgender persons, and families with annual income below ₹2 lakh.
• Health Inclusion: Covers households with members suffering from disabilities or chronic diseases like HIV, thalassemia, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders.
  

Evolution of the Scheme

District-Wise Implementation

Orunodoi 3.0 was launched statewide in October 2025, with simultaneous district-level events led by local administrations and elected representatives.

• Dibrugarh District: 1,73,159 beneficiaries across six constituencies including Duliajan, Naharkatia, and Chabua-Lahowal.
  
• Jorhat District: 1,13,210 beneficiaries, launched by MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami and MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.
  
• Dima Hasao District: 26,665 beneficiaries; launched by Minister Nandita Gorlosa and CEM Debolal Gorlosa, emphasizing inclusion in hilly and tribal areas.
  
• Other Major Districts: Kamrup Metro, Goalpara, and Nagaon saw large-scale coverage under Orunodoi 3.0, with local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) assisting in last-mile verification.
  

These district-specific launches were livestreamed from Guwahati to over 1,200 rural and urban centres, ensuring community participation and transparency.

Significance of the Scheme

1. Empowering Women Economically

By ensuring a stable monthly income, Orunodoi 3.0 transforms women from dependents into economic participants. It supports food security, healthcare, and children’s education within low-income households.

2. Social Inclusion through Direct Transfers

The scheme’s DBT mechanism eliminates leakages and bureaucratic delays. It ensures that every eligible woman receives assistance directly in her bank account, fostering financial inclusion and digital empowerment.

3. Targeting the Marginalized

Unlike traditional welfare programs, Orunodoi 3.0 explicitly recognizes unmarried women above 45, widows, and transgender persons, marking a shift toward inclusive social policy in Assam.

4. Alignment with National Goals

The initiative aligns with India’s national priorities:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
  
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  It also complements Digital India, Aadhaar-linked DBT, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

5. Catalyst for Rural Development

The scheme’s monthly transfer boosts local demand, especially in rural markets, helping small traders and self-help groups. This microeconomic multiplier effect contributes to Assam’s rural growth story.

Way Forward

1. Data-Driven Monitoring: Establishing a digital dashboard integrating Aadhaar and Panchayat databases to track fund flow and impact in real time.
2. Periodic Review of Eligibility: Regular socio-economic surveys to include newly vulnerable households.
3. Skill Development Linkage: Integrate Orunodoi beneficiaries with Skill India and Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan to promote entrepreneurship.
4. Financial Literacy: Conduct community-level financial awareness campaigns for sustainable economic participation.
5. Third-Party Audits: Ensure transparency and accountability through annual social audits by accredited civil society organizations.
   

Conclusion

Orunodoi 3.0 represents more than just a welfare transfer — it is a model of inclusive governance that upholds dignity, financial independence, and gender equity.
By blending digital innovation with social compassion, Assam has redefined the way welfare schemes reach the grassroots. As the scheme expands, it stands as a testament to the idea that empowering women empowers the nation.
Through Orunodoi 3.0, Assam is not only addressing economic vulnerability but also laying the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and equitable state economy.

Q. “The Orunodoi 3.0 scheme represents a new model of social welfare that combines financial inclusion with women-led development.” Discuss its significance in promoting inclusive growth and the lessons it offers for welfare governance in other Indian states. (Answer in 250 words)

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