Assam Government to Provide Financial Support to 4.3 Million Beneficiaries

Key Takeaways

Over 43 lakh beneficiaries set to receive financial aid.
Monthly cash transfer of ₹384 crore to support essential needs.
Integration of Orunodoi scheme with ration cards to prevent fraud.
85% of rural and 60% of urban residents eligible for ration cards.
Free medical treatment for families holding ration cards.

Guwahati, April 10 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that over 43 lakh individuals, particularly a significant number of women, will benefit from the state government's cash transfer initiative.

In a post on the social media platform X, CM Sarma stated, "On this 10th of April, as with every month, we celebrate Pension and Orunodoi Day in Assam, which is our most extensive Jan Kalyan program. More than ₹384 crore will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of over 43 lakh people, primarily women, to assist them in meeting their essential needs."

Through the Orunodoi scheme, the Assam government extends financial support to women on the 10th of each month.

Earlier, the CM also mentioned that to curb fraudulent claims, the Orunodoi scheme is being integrated with ration cards. Recently, the state administration has issued at least 20 lakh new ration cards to beneficiaries statewide.

CM Sarma reiterated the unwavering commitment of the current state administration to guarantee that the underprivileged have consistent access to rice.

He highlighted that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted in Assam in December 2015, aiming to secure the nutritional requirements of approximately 2.51 crore beneficiaries.

He stressed that 85 percent of rural dwellers and 60 percent of urban residents should qualify for ration cards.

According to the CM, following the integration of ration cards with Aadhaar, an additional 60 lakh cards have been issued, thereby streamlining the distribution of free rice through biometric verification.

He praised the effective execution of the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' initiative, operational for the past three years, which permits beneficiaries to access provisions anywhere in the country.

The Chief Minister clarified that ration cards must be collected between the 1st and 10th of each month and reassured the public that no fraudulent claims would be accepted, as the government has made significant efforts to ensure that deserving families receive their rightful benefits.

CM Sarma indicated that in the 2023-24 fiscal year, 42,85,745 new beneficiaries have been added, with 10,73,489 new families receiving ration cards in January alone, benefiting more than 52 lakh people. He also mentioned that families with ration cards would qualify for free medical treatment up to Rs five lakh at government hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam programs.