The ‘biggest’ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, Orunodoi, will be launched by Assam chief Minister at the Amingaon parade ground on Tuesday.
Out of 22 lakh families (with a composite income of less than 2 lakh a year), one woman member would be eligible for a monthly benefit of Rs 830 under the scheme. Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, this would empower women and help lessen poverty in the state.
Sarma said, “This is by far the biggest scheme in the state that any government has taken after Independence. We have selected 18.20 lakhs beneficiaries so far under the scheme, barring those in the Bodoland Territorial Region as the model code of conduct (with the BTC elections scheduled from December 7) does not permit such a process as of now there”.
An expenditure of Rs 2400 crore will be incurred by the state government annually for the ambitious scheme.
In just two-and-a-half months, the process of the creation of a sturdy medium by the finance department to the beneficiary selection has been completed by the state machinery, said the Minister.
He said, “In the near future, we plan to bring another 8 lakh beneficiaries under the ambit of the scheme so we can eradicate poverty in the state to a large extent besides strengthening the role of women in society/family”.
“There are many widows, divyang (physically challenged), unmarried women and married women who are compelled to stay with their parents/ for various reasons. These women are unfortunately considered a burden to society. But this scheme will empower them to an extent,” he said.
Till now 17.6 lakhs bank accounts beneficiaries have been activated.
Under the scheme for November, the money would be transferred between December 1 and 6, 2020, while for December would be transferred between December 26 and 31, 2020.
The beneficiaries will have logos placed in their respective homes.
For beneficiaries, an Orunodoi call centre has also been made to receive necessary information and for placing any queries or complaints, Sarma said.
The minister also pointed out that there would be
Entry and exit routes will be there, that will allow the needy ones to procure benefits under the scheme while making provision for those who are better off economically and hence no longer are eligible to go out from the scheme.