Assam Orunodoi Scheme 2023: Empowering Lives Through Financial Inclusion

The Assam Orunodoi Scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at providing vital financial assistance to the economically vulnerable populace of the state. Introduced as Orunodoi 2.0 on December 14, 2022, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this scheme represents a significant stride in enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Assam. 

This comprehensive program targets women from economically disadvantaged households, elderly men, individuals with disabilities, and the transgender community, aiming to bolster their financial stability.

What is the Assam Orunodoi Scheme about?

Orunodoi 2.0 stands as one of the nation’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programs, encompassing more than 27 lakh participants. The beneficiaries are guaranteed a monthly transfer of Rs 1,250 directly into their bank accounts on the tenth of each month. 

This financial aid aims to facilitate the purchase of essential commodities like sugar, pulses, and medicines. Beyond monetary assistance, the scheme seeks to provide increased nutritional support, financial literacy, and economic empowerment to its beneficiaries.

Enhancements and Expansion of the Orunodoi 2.0

The scheme’s evolution from its inception in 2020 to Orunodoi 2.0 signifies its growth and the government’s commitment to expanding its reach. Notably, the recent addition of 10.54 lakh new beneficiaries demonstrates a concerted effort to extend support to more vulnerable households. Furthermore, the allocation of Rs 3420 crore for the program emphasizes the government’s dedication to augmenting financial aid and broadening its impact.

This scheme is not merely about disbursing financial aid but represents a broader vision of empowerment. By providing monetary support to economically disadvantaged households, elderly men, persons with disabilities, and individuals identifying as the third gender. 

The initiative aims to offer a consistent stream of income. This financial backing plays a crucial role in addressing basic needs, promoting stability, and uplifting the standard of living for vulnerable sections of society.

What are the objectives of the Assam Scheme?

The primary objective of the Assam Orunodoi Scheme is to provide crucial financial assistance to economically disadvantaged households in the state of Assam. This scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by vulnerable families, especially women from marginalized backgrounds. By offering monthly financial support directly transferred to their bank accounts, the initiative seeks to empower these individuals, ensuring increased economic stability and independence. 

Additionally, the scheme aims to enhance the overall well-being of its beneficiaries by providing them with increased nutritional support, fostering financial literacy, and promoting economic empowerment. Overall, the objective is to uplift the socio-economic status of the residents of Assam and mitigate financial hardships among the most vulnerable sections of society.

Assam Orunodoi Scheme 2023 Selection and Eligibility Criteria 

The Assam Orunodoi Scheme has specific selection criteria and eligibility guidelines outlined to identify and assist the most deserving beneficiaries. Here’s a detailed elaboration on the scheme’s selection criteria and eligibility:

Assam Orunodoi Scheme 2023 Selection Criteria

• District-level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) Role: The DLMC is tasked with finalizing the list of beneficiaries adhering to the prescribed guidelines.
• Primary Selection at Local Bodies: Initial screening occurs at the village council development committee/gaun Panchayat/urban local body level.
• Undertaking and Checklist Preparation: Local bodies create an undertaking cum checklist according to eligibility/ineligibility conditions.
• Compilation and Prioritization: The compiled checklist is reviewed LAC-wise by the DLMC for prioritization/selection purposes.
• Detailed Application and Validation: The selected beneficiaries’ detailed application forms are filled to collect bank details and necessary information, which are validated.
• Annual Review and Database Maintenance: An annual review of beneficiaries is conducted, and inclusions/exclusions are made as required, maintaining a comprehensive database.
• Responsibility for Misuse: Applicants found ineligible yet receiving benefits are obliged to refund the received amount.

Assam Orunodoi Scheme 2023 Eligibility Criteria

• Priority Beneficiaries: Certain groups are given preference, including families with widows, unmarried/divorced women, differently-abled members, and those without ration cards for free rice.
• National Food Security Scheme (NFSS) Card Holders: Families under the NFSS are also eligible.
• Self-Help Group (SHG) Ownership: Families owning two or three-wheelers, tractors under SHGs, and other specific criteria can avail the benefits.
• Exclusions: Families with specific income levels, assets like refrigerators, washing machines, or those with government-employed members, doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc., are not eligible.
• The comprehensive selection criteria and eligibility standards aim to ensure that the most deserving and vulnerable sections of society receive the scheme’s benefits, contributing to their financial stability and welfare.

Assam Orunodoi Scheme Implementation Structure

The scheme’s implementation involves a meticulous process, including district-level committees responsible for finalizing beneficiary lists. The selection process follows stringent guidelines to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Volunteers conduct household visits to update beneficiary lists, emphasizing the government’s commitment to keeping the scheme aligned with the evolving needs of the populace.

What is Assam Orunodoi Scheme Application Procedures?

• Visit the Official Website: Applicants need to visit the official Assam Orunodoi Scheme website.

• Access Application Form: On the homepage, locate and download the Orunodoi Scheme application form in PDF format.

• Fill Application Form: Complete the application form with all mandatory details as required. Attach necessary documents.

• Submission: Submit the filled application form along with the required documents to the respective department or authorities specified by the scheme.

How to View Assam Orunodoi Application Status?

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Assam Orunodoi Scheme website.

• Check Status: Click on the ‘View Status’ option available on the homepage.

• Select District and Details: Choose your district and enter either your name or beneficiary number as required.

• Search: Click on the search option to view the status of your application.

What is the Opt-Out Procedure for Orunodoi Scheme?

• Access the Scheme’s Website: Visit the official website of the scheme.

• Find Opt-Out Application: Look for the application form designed for voluntary opt-out from the scheme.

• Provide Details: Enter your 10-digit mobile number and initiate the opt-out process.

• Confirm Voluntary Opt-Out: Consent to voluntarily opt out from the scheme, following the instructions provided.

What is the Grievance Redressal Mechanism for Assam Orunodoi Scheme 2023?

1. Raise a Complaint:

• Access the Official Website: Visit the Assam Orunodoi Scheme’s official portal.
• Select “Raise a Complaint”: Click on the option available for raising complaints.
• Fill in Required Details: Enter all necessary information in the complaint form provided, specifying the grievance details accurately.
• Submit: Once the form is complete, click on the submit button to register the complaint.

2. Submit Grievance:

• Visit Official Website: Go to the Assam Orunodoi Scheme’s official website.
• Select “Submit Grievance”: Click on the option designated for submitting grievances.
• Fill Grievance Form: Enter personal details, contact information, grievance category, description, and attach any necessary documents.
• Submit Application: After completing the form, click on the submit button to send the grievance application.

Conclusion

The Assam Orunodoi Scheme serves as a symbol of optimism and embodies the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and societal well-being. This initiative adopts a comprehensive approach that amalgamates financial assistance with measures aimed at empowerment. 

Thus marking a notable advancement towards creating a more prosperous and equitable society within Assam. The evolving nature of the scheme underscores its pivotal role in propelling the region towards holistic socio-economic development.

Moreover, the Orunodoi Scheme signifies a departure from conventional welfare programs by incorporating elements that extend beyond monetary transactions. It encompasses measures designed to enhance nutritional support, impart financial literacy, and foster economic autonomy among beneficiaries. 

These facets empower individuals not only by addressing immediate financial challenges but also by equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for sustainable progress.

As the Orunodoi Scheme progresses and expands its reach, it serves as a critical driver in the journey towards comprehensive socio-economic development. Its continued evolution reflects a responsive approach, adapting to the dynamic needs of the populace and ensuring that marginalized segments of society receive essential support. 

This adaptability underscores the government’s proactive stance in addressing societal issues and heralds a promising future characterized by more inclusive growth and opportunities for all residents of Assam.