Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, 25 September 2026, announced that the approximately 40 lakh beneficiaries of the state's flagship Orunodoi welfare scheme will receive an enhanced monthly payment of ₹1,500 for October — a one-time festive increase of ₹250 over the regular disbursement of ₹1,250. The hike was described by Sarma as a special Durga Puja gift for the women of Assam.

What Sarma Said

Announcing the decision via a post on X, Chief Minister Sarma framed the move as a gesture of shared celebration. 'On the sacred occasion of Durga Puja, a special gift for the women of Assam,' he wrote, adding: 'In October, the Orunodoi amount will be increased to ₹1,500. This additional support is an effort to share in the joys of our families and their festive preparations. May Mother Durga's blessings remain upon all.'

Cabinet Decisions Ahead of Durga Puja

The enhanced payout was among several Durga Puja-related measures cleared at an Assam Cabinet meeting chaired by Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati on Thursday. The Cabinet also approved a 20 per cent Puja bonus for eligible employees and tea workers of the Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL). In a separate decision, 17 October was declared an additional public holiday for Assam government employees in view of Durga Puja, given that 18 October falls on a Sunday.

About the Orunodoi Scheme

The Orunodoi scheme is one of Assam's key social welfare programmes, providing monthly direct-benefit transfers to eligible households — primarily targeting women — to support routine expenses and strengthen household financial security. The regular monthly payout stands at ₹1,250, making the October disbursement a 20 per cent increase over the standard amount. The scheme's large beneficiary base of around 40 lakh families makes any revision a significant fiscal and political signal ahead of the festive season.

Wider Context

This comes amid a broader pattern of state governments across India announcing welfare top-ups and bonuses in the run-up to major festivals, particularly in poll-sensitive or politically significant regions. Durga Puja is among the most widely celebrated festivals in Assam, and the timing of the announcement — weeks before the holiday — positions the state administration favourably with its beneficiary base. The October-only nature of the hike signals a limited fiscal commitment, though the sheer scale of coverage — 40 lakh households — means the total additional outgo is substantial.

The Assam government is expected to process the enhanced October payments through its existing direct-benefit transfer infrastructure, with no separate application required from beneficiaries.