Assam CM Pushes for Swift Implementation of Orunodoi 3.0, NFSA

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urged MPs, cabinet members, and Deputy Commissioners to share suggestions for the effective rollout of Orunodoi 3.0 and National Food Security Act, set to launch on September 19. The scheme aims to provide monetary benefits to over 24 lakh poor households in the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on all MPs from the state, his cabinet colleagues, and the Deputy Commissioners (DC) of all districts to provide input for the successful implementation of Orunodoi 3.0 and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). This appeal was made during a video conference with MPs, MLAs, and DCs as the state prepares for the launch of these programs on September 19.

A government release noted that the 'Orunodoi' scheme, which began on October 2, 2020, aims to deliver financial benefits to more than 24 lakh impoverished households in Assam. Women beneficiaries, as primary caretakers, are slated to receive Rs 1000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under this initiative. CM Sarma emphasized that developmental projects have been executed around newly formed constituencies since the last parliamentary elections. He explained that while constituencies may have changed, legislators' responsibilities now span multiple areas.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of linking Orunodoi with Aadhaar to ensure that only individuals with ration cards qualify for Orunodoi 3.0. He announced that polling booths will serve as operational units for the scheme and set an annual income threshold of Rs 4 lakh for ration card eligibility and Rs 2 lakh for Orunodoi.

Furthermore, Sarma directed the establishment of District Level Surveillance Committees, to be led by DCs, and urged guardian ministers to offer suggestions during this process. He also advocated for the use of local languages to increase public awareness of both initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)