Guwahati, Jan 6: Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Tuesday questioned the BJP-led state government over the non-release of the January instalment under its flagship Orunodoi scheme, asking why the payment was being withheld if the monthly assistance was truly essential for beneficiary families.
Targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Saikia said the government frequently underscores the importance of the ₹1,250 monthly aid, but has failed to disburse it on time. “If this amount is so crucial, why hasn’t it been paid in January? How are the nearly 30 lakh vulnerable families dependent on this assistance expected to manage without it?” he asked.
The Orunodoi scheme, launched to support economically vulnerable women and specially-abled beneficiaries, provides ₹1,250 per month through direct benefit transfer. It currently covers around 37 lakh beneficiaries and has been widely credited as a key factor behind the BJP’s strong support among women voters in Assam.
Saikia’s remarks come amid reports that Congress leaders have been advised not to criticise the scheme, given its popularity among women beneficiaries.
During a New Year media interaction, Sarma had announced that the January instalment would not be released, but that ₹8,000 would be transferred in February as an “advance Bohag Bihu gift” to support livelihoods. The amount includes ₹5,000 under Orunodoi covering payments from January to April, along with a special ₹3,000 Bihu grant.
Criticising the move, Saikia said that if voted to power, the Congress would propose a family-oriented income generation programme to sustainably empower beneficiaries, instead of what he termed a one-time cash payout. He described the pre-Bihu transfer as a “ploy to buy votes”.
With the Assam Assembly elections approaching, both the Congress and the BJP have stepped up their political strategies, placing welfare schemes and voter outreach at the centre of their campaigns.
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