Assam Launches Orunodoi 3.0 in Bodoland Region

KOKRAJHAR- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched Orunodoi 3.0 in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), marking the first inclusion of beneficiaries from Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri under the state’s flagship financial assistance scheme for women.

The launch event, held at the Bodofa Nagar Greenfield Stadium in Kokrajhar, drew a large gathering of women beneficiaries, community leaders and government officials. The rollout fulfils a pre-election commitment made by the Chief Minister during the recent Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls.

The implementation had been delayed due to the election process, but Sarma emphasised that the updated phase ensures equal access to welfare benefits across the region.

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Under Orunodoi 3.0, eligible women receive ₹1,250 per month directly into their bank accounts, aimed at supporting household expenditure, nutritional needs and financial autonomy. With the inclusion of over 4 lakh new beneficiaries from BTR, the total number of women under the scheme statewide has reached nearly 40 lakh, contributing to a monthly payout exceeding ₹678 crore.

District-wise, BTR enrolment includes around 1.21 lakh beneficiaries in Kokrajhar and 1.09 lakh in Udalguri, with the remaining beneficiaries distributed across Chirang, Baksa and Tamulpur. The extension is seen as a major step toward reducing development gaps in the region.

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Addressing the gathering, Sarma said the scheme has played a transformative role in strengthening “Nari Shakti” and enabling women to take greater control of household decision-making. He announced that the December installment would be released immediately, while additional benefits — including subsidised pulses, salt and sugar — would be rolled out starting January 2026.

The Chief Minister underscored that the Orunodoi scheme benefits all communities irrespective of caste or religion and forms part of a broader push for socio-economic self-reliance among economically vulnerable households.

Parallel launch events were also held in Udalguri, Baksa, Tamulpur and Chirang. Local leaders and beneficiaries described the initiative as a major milestone in enhancing welfare access and fostering inclusive development across the Bodoland Territorial Region.

The expansion reinforces the Assam government’s emphasis on women-centric governance and equitable growth in historically underserved regions.