The Opposition Congress in poll-bound Assam has promised Rs 7,500 a month to each BPL and needy family if it comes to power in 2021, a move seen by most as the party’s counter to the BJP-led state government’s monthly dole of Rs 803 to over 19 lakh disadvantaged families.

Apart from the direct transfer of Rs 7,500 per month, the state Congress has also promised a job to each family, either in the government sector or the private, free power up to 120 units a month, up from the 30 units being doled out by the BJP-led present government.

The party also promised to waive loans availed by marginal farmers. Loans dished out by microfinance companies will also be waived, especially those availed by women.

Assam PCC chief Ripun Bora announced all these schemes during the customary New Year interaction at the state party headquarters here on Friday, including the monthly payout under
the Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY).

The NYAY was first announced by the Congress in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which the ruling BJP won convincingly. However, under the nationwide scheme, the amount was Rs 6,000 a month.

Bora said if the Congress returns to power, a poor family will be getting Rs 7,500 in their bank accounts under the state government’s minimum income guarantee scheme to help the poor and the needy.

“All these schemes are aimed at helping the poor, the youth, farmers and women. We will spell out the details in our manifesto,” Bora said.

Assam goes to the polls later this year.

The BJP already enjoys an edge in the game of doling out largesse with the BJP-led state government launching the Orunodoi scheme that will see over 19 lakh households getting Rs 830 a month. The beneficiaries include families with widows, unmarried women, divyang, divorcees and poor families not having ration card for free rice.

Congress insiders said the party is working on “practical and doable” economic and political solutions to all problems faced by the people of the state, something that will be reflected in its manifesto. He also said the party will take NYAY to the people because it could be a game-changer if properly implemented.

“It was and is a good scheme, but we didn’t get enough time to take it to the people in 2019. However, there is already some awareness about the scheme. Rahul Gandhi had flagged the issue during one of his poll rallies in Guwahati. We are keeping the faith in NYAY,” an insider said.