Massive Beneficiary Inclusion Under Orunodoi 3.0
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has officially launched the third phase of the transformative Orunodoi scheme, dubbed Orunodoi 3.0, to ensure comprehensive food security across the state. With this launch, 19,92,167 new beneficiaries will receive ration cards, further reinforcing Assam’s commitment to alleviating poverty and hunger.
The ambitious program targets priority households and expands its coverage to vulnerable families, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under various food security schemes in Assam to over 2.31 crore.
Free Rice for Over 66 Lakh Households in Assam
Assam’s Orunodoi scheme is a key component of the state’s social welfare initiatives. Currently, 2.31 crore citizens receive free rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), benefitting 66,86,845 households. This includes 6,72,024 families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and 60,14,821 priority households (PHHs), ensuring that essential food items reach those in need.
The selection of 19,92,167 new beneficiaries will begin on September 19, 2024. This new batch of recipients will belong to the Priority Household (PHH) category and will be eligible for several benefits under the Food Security Act. In January 2023, the Assam government added 42,85,745 new beneficiaries, and the latest addition continues this momentum, aiming to address the needs of the underserved population.
District-Level Implementation to Ensure Efficient Distribution
The implementation of Orunodoi 3.0 will be carried out through a district-based approach. The newly added beneficiaries are distributed across Assam’s districts, with District Commissioners taking charge of selecting recipients based on the socio-economic conditions of each assembly constituency. This decentralized approach ensures that assistance reaches the most vulnerable families in an efficient and transparent manner.
To be part of Orunodoi 3.0, eligible individuals must submit an application form. Application forms are available both online on the government portal and at local administrative offices such as Village Panchayats or Municipality Offices. Submissions will be accepted from September 19 to October 15, 2024.
The eligibility criteria are straightforward: applicants must have a family income of less than Rs. 4 lakh per annum, possess an Aadhaar card, and be Indian citizens. The scheme also extends to daily wage workers, Master Roll employees, retired Class IV government employees, and contractual employees with an annual income below Rs. 4 lakh.
Documents Required for Application Submission
Applicants are required to provide several documents to facilitate their inclusion in the Orunodoi scheme. These include a completed Form ‘C’, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID or Voter List, Address Certificate, photographs of all family members, bank account details, and an active phone number for family communication.
Once the applications are reviewed and verified by the Scrutiny Committee at the Block level, ration cards will be issued to the selected families, digitizing beneficiary information to ensure accuracy.
Key Benefits for Beneficiaries
In addition to the food security provided through ration cards, beneficiaries of Orunodoi 3.0 are entitled to a wide range of additional benefits. Families are eligible for free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Assam Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Those without an LPG connection can also apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to receive a free cooking gas connection.
Furthermore, the introduction of Orunodoi 3.0 comes with the provision to apply for other welfare schemes, ensuring that the poorest families in Assam receive a holistic support system.
Government’s Commitment to Food Security
The Assam government has made food security a top priority under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership. The Orunodoi scheme first launched to support economically disadvantaged families, has evolved into a far-reaching initiative that addresses both immediate food needs and long-term welfare through healthcare and LPG support.
By November 15, 2024, the process of including nearly 20 lakh new beneficiaries and issuing ration cards is expected to be completed, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s efforts to uplift its vulnerable populations.
A Step Forward in Assam’s Fight Against Hunger
Orunodoi 3.0 stands as a testament to Assam’s continued efforts to tackle hunger and poverty through targeted interventions. The launch of this third phase not only increases the number of beneficiaries but also reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that every household has access to essential services like food, healthcare, and clean energy.
This flagship initiative promises to play a critical role in transforming the lives of Assam’s most vulnerable citizens, setting an example for other states to follow in the fight against hunger and economic insecurity.
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