Guwahati: Assam Government on Tuesday launched its flagship scheme
'Orunodoi' at Numali Jalah Parade Ground in Aminagon, Guwahati.
Assam
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
launched the scheme.
Speaking
at the occasion, CM Sonowal thanked Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his
team for their efforts in implementing the ambitious plan.
The objective of this scheme is not only providing financial benefits but with it, many objectives of public welfare are connected. Food security is one of the main objectives of the Orunodoi scheme.
Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "The scheme seeks to provide Rs. 830 per month to
over 18 lakh families so that beneficiaries can purchase medicines worth Rs.
400 every month. Five kg of lentils can be purchased at Rs. 200. Rs. 80 can be
spent to buy sugar. And the remaining RS.150 can be used for buying fruits."
"This
year's budget amount for this scheme is 2800 crore. This reflects a change in
the approach of the poverty alleviation program, where the government does not
decide how to spend money on the poor, but where there is a substantial cash
transfer to poor families shall enable them to make informed decision to spend
money on health and nutrition," According to a press release issued by the
State government.
While
designing this program government has kept in mind the basic requirement of
health and nutrition of a household.
One
of the other main features of this program is to ensure timely credit of the beneficial subsidy amount directly to the nominated female head of household.
Research has shown that the financial benefits provided by governments are better utilized for the purpose when control is in the hands of the female of a household.
Thus, the female head of the family, who has missed opening a bank account, should
contact the bank or banking correspondent to open a bank account under Jan Dhan
Yojana.
The
application process for the Orunodoi scheme began in September this year.
Preference is given to the households having widows, unmarried women, and
especially disabled persons. Those having, four-wheeler, tractor, TV, fridge,
etc. will not be eligible under the Scheme.
Noteworthy is that if anyone who is not eligible, but has enrolled for the Scheme may voluntarily contact the GP office/VCDC/ULB to remove their name.
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