Assam to launch state’s ‘biggest’ DBT scheme on Tuesday

 | 

GUWAHATI:

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will launch the 'biggest' Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, Orunodoi, at the Amingaon parade ground on Tuesday.

One woman member out of 22 lakh families (with a composite income of less than 2 lakh a year) would be eligible for a monthly benefit of Rs 830 under the scheme which would not only empower women but eradicate poverty in the state, Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

“This is by far the biggest scheme in the state that any government has taken after Independence. We have selected 18.20 lakh 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,” Sarma said.

The state government would incur an expenditure of Rs 2400 crore annually for the ambitious scheme.

The minister said that the entire process, from the creation of a robust platform by the finance department to the beneficiary selection, has been completed by the state machinery in just two-and-a-half months.

“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,” he said.

“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.

So far, bank accounts of 17.6 lakh beneficiaries have been activated.

Money under the scheme for November would be transferred to the accounts between December 1 and 6, 2020, while for December would be transferred between December 26 and 31, 2020.

Logos are being created to be placed in the homes of each beneficiary.

Sarma said an Orunodoi call centre has also been set up for beneficiaries to receive the necessary information and make any queries or complaints if any.

The minister also pointed out that there would be entry and exit routes to allow needy people to get benefits under the scheme while facilitating those who are better off economically and hence no longer eligible to exit the scheme.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)

Also Read: Elementary schools in Assam to resume classes from Jan 1