Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam’s Orunodoi scheme has become a national model for welfare programs

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 19 highlighted the national impact of the state's Orunodoi scheme. Launched in 2020, the scheme has not only provided substantial benefits to women in Assam but has also inspired similar initiatives across India.

Sarma said that the Orunodoi scheme, with its substantial budget of Rs 5,500 crore, stands as a landmark project in Assam’s governance. "It is a matter of pride for every resident of Assam that our Orunodoi scheme has become a model for other states," he said.

The scheme, which offers 5 kg of free rice per month to eligible families, has set a precedent for social welfare programs. Its success has led to the launch of similar schemes, including Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna, Chhattisgarh’s Mahtari Vandana, Karnataka’s Gruha Jyoti, and even Maharashtra’s adaptation.

Sarma further detailed the scheme's impact, noting that it provides essential support to 1.96 million people through the provision of free rice.