The history of Orunodoi scheme is closely linked with Assam’s efforts to build a strong and inclusive social security system. Orunodoi is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme launched by the Government of Assam to provide monthly financial assistance to economically vulnerable households, with payments made directly to women beneficiaries.
Many people search for the history of the Orunodoi scheme to understand how and why it started, how it has evolved through Orunodoi 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, and what the government has officially announced about its future. This article presents a fact-based, source-backed, and neutral explanation of the scheme’s journey from its launch to the present phase.
Background: Why Orunodoi Was Introduced
Before the launch of Orunodoi, Assam already had multiple welfare schemes targeting food security, health, and housing. However, there was no single, structured monthly income support scheme focused specifically on women-led households.
According to Assam Government budget documents and official statements, the key objectives behind introducing Orunodoi were:
- To provide regular and predictable cash support to low-income families
- To empower women financially by transferring benefits directly to them
- To reduce dependence on fragmented and delayed welfare subsidies
- To strengthen Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms in Assam
The scheme was designed as a state-funded social assistance programme, distinct from centrally sponsored schemes.
Launch of Orunodoi Scheme
Official Launch Year and Government
- Launch Year: 2020
- Government: Government of Assam led by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP-led government assumed office in May 2021; however, Orunodoi was announced and implemented during the previous term and expanded after 2021)
Budget and Cabinet Reference
- Orunodoi was announced in the Assam Budget 2020–21
- The scheme was introduced as a flagship DBT initiative under the Finance Department of Assam
Initial Benefit Amount and Coverage
- Monthly assistance: ₹830 per beneficiary family (initial phase)
- Target beneficiaries: Economically vulnerable households, with women as the primary recipients
- Mode of transfer: Direct transfer to bank accounts
These details are documented in Assam Budget papers and Finance Department releases.
Orunodoi 1.0: The Beginning
Orunodoi 1.0 marked the first structured phase of the scheme.
Key Features of Orunodoi 1.0
- Monthly DBT support to selected households
- Payment is credited directly to the women beneficiaries
- Focus on food, nutrition, and basic household needs
Target Beneficiaries
- Low-income families identified through government databases
- Women-led households given priority
- Families excluded from stable income sources
Official Coverage
According to government statements and budget data:
- More than 17 lakh families were covered in the early implementation phase
- Orunodoi quickly became one of the largest state-funded DBT schemes in Assam
Orunodoi 2.0: Expansion Phase
Why Orunodoi 2.0 Was Introduced
The Assam Government announced Orunodoi 2.0 to:
- Expand coverage to more eligible families
- Increase financial assistance
- Improve transparency and DBT efficiency
Key Changes in Orunodoi 2.0
- Monthly amount increased to ₹1,250
- Beneficiary coverage expanded to around 19–20 lakh families
- Strengthened Aadhaar-linked DBT system
- Improved beneficiary verification process
These updates were confirmed through Assam Budget speeches and official press releases after 2021.
Government Announcements
The expansion under Orunodoi 2.0 was repeatedly referenced by:
- Assam Finance Department statements
- Budget speeches presented in the Assam Legislative Assembly
Orunodoi 3.0: Latest Phase
Why Orunodoi 3.0 Was Introduced
Orunodoi 3.0 represents the latest phase of the scheme, introduced to:
- Further strengthen social security coverage
- Simplify welfare delivery
- Integrate related benefits into a single monthly transfer
Major Improvements in Orunodoi 3.0
- Monthly assistance increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500
- Effective from 1 January 2026
- Integration of LPG-related support into the consolidated payment
- Continued focus on women beneficiaries
Official Statements
The increase to ₹1,500 was officially announced by:
- Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Government briefings and public addresses reported by reputed news portals such as The Hindu, Assam Tribune, and NE Now
How the Scheme Has Evolved Over Time
Comparison of Orunodoi 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0
| Feature | Orunodoi 1.0 | Orunodoi 2.0 | Orunodoi 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Phase | 2020 | Post-2021 expansion | Announced 2024–25 |
| Monthly Amount | ₹830 | ₹1,250 | ₹1,500 |
| Beneficiary Coverage | ~17 lakh families | ~19–20 lakh families | Expanded continuation |
| Payment Mode | DBT | DBT (improved) | DBT (integrated) |
| Focus | Basic support | Expansion & stability | Consolidation & adequacy |
Impact of Orunodoi Scheme
Documented Social Impact
According to government statements and coverage by reputed newspapers:
- Orunodoi has become a key income-support pillar for women-led households
- Regular DBT payments have improved:
- Household food security
- Ability to meet medical and education expenses
- Financial autonomy of women
Several reports by Assam Tribune and The Hindu have highlighted Orunodoi as one of the largest women-centric DBT schemes at the state level in India.
No independent impact evaluation numbers have been officially released so far, beyond beneficiary counts.
Future Plans of the Orunodoi Scheme
Officially Announced Plans
Based on official statements and budget announcements:
- Monthly assistance will continue at ₹1,500 from January 2026
- Existing beneficiaries will automatically receive the revised amount
- Focus remains on DBT efficiency and beneficiary verification
Important Clarification
As of now, no officially published long-term roadmap beyond Orunodoi 3.0 is available.
Any discussion about further increases or integration with additional schemes has not been formally notified in budget documents.
Challenges and Government Response
As reported by news portals:
- Challenges include beneficiary identification, bank account issues, and periodic verification
- The government has responded by:
- Strengthening Aadhaar-based DBT
- Introducing online portals for status checks
- Conducting district-level verification drives
These responses have been documented in official briefings and media reports.
The history of the Orunodoi scheme shows a clear progression from a modest income-support initiative to a large-scale, structured social security programme in Assam. Starting in 2020, the scheme evolved through Orunodoi 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, with consistent increases in financial assistance and beneficiary coverage.
By focusing on women-led households, direct bank transfers, and predictable monthly support, Orunodoi has become a cornerstone of Assam’s welfare framework. While future expansions beyond Orunodoi 3.0 have not yet been officially announced, the scheme’s journey so far highlights its role as a long-term social protection measure.
Sources & References
- Government of Assam Budget Documents (2020–21, subsequent budgets)
- Assam Finance Department official notifications
- Assam Legislative Assembly budget speeches
- The Hindu – reports on Assam welfare schemes
- Assam Tribune – Orunodoi scheme coverage
- NE Now – Orunodoi updates and announcements
- Official statements by Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma