Guwahati: In a bid to financially empower women, the Assam government on Tuesday has launched the state’s most ambitious scheme of ‘Orunodoi’ for the financially backward households.

Under this scheme, the government would provide Rs 830 per month which will be directly transferred into the account of the nominated female head of the household to meet their medical and nutritional needs.

The Orunodoi scheme would be the biggest scheme in Assam which would initially benefit 18.20 lakh families and the number would subsequently increase.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the flagship scheme ‘Orunodoi’ on Tuesday at Numali Jalah Parade Ground in Amingaon.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said, “The aim of this scheme is not only for providing financial benefits, but several objectives of public welfare are associated with this. Food security is one of the objectives of the Orunodoi scheme.”

“Rs 830 has been provided, so that the beneficiary can buy medicines of Rs 400 every month. Five kgs of lentils can be purchased at Rs 200. For buying sugar, Rs 80 can be spent. And the remaining Rs 150 will be spent in buying fruits” minister Sarma further added.

The scheme has been launched in 29 of the 33 districts of the state. And a sum of Rs 280 crore has been earmarked in the current fiscal (2020-21) budget for the new scheme.

Taking to Twitter, CM Sonowal wrote: “Our Govt’s aim is to provide opportunities to the poor and downtrodden of the society to lead their life with dignity. This ambitious scheme will economically empower the women, leading to an Empowered Assam. #Empowering_Women_With_orunodoi”