Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a special Bihu gift of ₹8,000 for over 37 lakh women beneficiaries under the State’s flagship Orunodoi scheme. The announcement was made during the Chief Minister’s customary New Year press interaction, ‘Notun Dinor Alap’, held on January 1.
The Chief Minister said the amount would be credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries on February 20, ahead of Rongali Bohag Bihu. He described the assistance as a special festive gift for the mothers and sisters of Assam, aimed at supporting their livelihoods and helping them celebrate Bihu with dignity.
As per the announcement, the ₹8,000 assistance includes ₹5,000 as Orunodoi support for the period from January to April and an additional ₹3,000 as a special Bohag Bihu gift. Currently, women enrolled under the Orunodoi scheme receive ₹1,250 per month through direct benefit transfer.
Sharing the announcement on the social media platform X, Dr Sarma wrote that all Orunodoi beneficiaries would receive the advance Bohag Bihu gift to strengthen household finances and fulfil another promise made by the government.
The decision has been warmly welcomed by women across the State. Many beneficiaries said the additional financial support would help them purchase clothes for their children, manage household expenses, and celebrate Rongali Bihu in a better manner. A beneficiary from Kaziranga said the announcement would allow families like hers to celebrate the festival with joy and pride.
During the ‘Notun Dinor Alap’ interaction, the Chief Minister also announced several other important decisions related to the State’s development and welfare initiatives. He further conveyed New Year greetings to the people of Assam, expressing hope for peace, progress, and prosperity in 2026.
The Orunodoi Bihu gift announcement is being viewed as a significant welfare measure, reinforcing the State government’s focus on women-centric support and festive assistance for economically vulnerable households.
