The Government of Assam has launched Orunodoi 3.0, the latest phase of its flagship Direct Benefit Transfer welfare programme aimed at strengthening the financial security of economically vulnerable households. The scheme continues Assam’s focus on women-led social protection while introducing special flood relief assistance for affected families.

About Orunodoi 3.0

• Orunodoi is Assam’s flagship income support scheme, implemented by the Government of Assam through Gaon Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, Blocks and District Administrations.
• The scheme primarily transfers financial assistance directly into the bank account of a woman beneficiary through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism.
• The Orunodoi 3.0 provides  ₹1,250/month to the female head of the household.
  •  Orunodoi 1.0 provided ₹830/month &  Orunodoi 2.0 provided ₹1,250/month
• The objective is to help poor households meet essential expenses such as food, healthcare, education and daily necessities, while promoting women’s financial empowerment.

Key Features

• Eligible beneficiaries receive monthly financial assistance through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, ensuring transparency and reducing leakages.
• Women are the primary beneficiaries, strengthening their role in household financial decision-making.
• Priority is given to economically weaker households, widows, unmarried women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• Selection and verification are carried out through field surveys by local administrative bodies.

What’s New in Orunodoi 3.0?

• More than 37 lakh beneficiaries are covered across Assam.
• Monthly financial disbursement is approximately ₹470 crore.
• A special flood assistance package has been introduced for flood-affected districts.
• Beneficiaries in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat receive ₹2,500 per beneficiary as flood relief.
• Beneficiaries in other districts receive ₹1,100 as additional assistance for the month.
• Simultaneous implementation is being carried out at over 3,500 locations across Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, Village Council Development Committees, Village Development Committees and Mahila and Child Development Committees.

Significance

• Strengthens financial inclusion through Direct Benefit Transfer.
• Enhances women’s economic empowerment by making them the principal beneficiaries.
• Provides timely social security during disasters such as floods.
• Supports Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by reducing poverty and promoting gender-inclusive welfare.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Orunodoi Scheme of Assam:

1. It is a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme providing financial assistance to eligible households.
2. The financial assistance is generally transferred to the woman beneficiary of the household.
3. The scheme is implemented by the Government of Assam.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

One line Wrap

Orunodoi 3.0 strengthens Assam’s welfare architecture by combining women-centric Direct Benefit Transfers with targeted disaster relief and financial inclusion for vulnerable households.