The Assam government on Thursday launched the third phase of its flagship women-centric welfare scheme, Orunodoi, extending its benefit to an additional 12 lakh beneficiaries while taking their overall number to 37.2 lakh across the state.

The scheme — Orunodoi 3.0 — was launched centrally by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati in the run-up to upcoming Assembly bypolls in five seats followed by the panchayat elections this year.

The scheme, which made its debut in 2020, will see a beneficiary get a direct bank transfer of ₹1,250 by the 10th of every month.

Assam was the first state to “launch” a DBT scheme for women back in 2020 and its versions are now being “implemented” in other states such as Chattisgarh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Sarma, in his nearly 40-minute launch speech, touched upon the scheme’s journey till now, its objectives and eligibility criteria.

“This is part of our promise to the people on the eve of the Lok Sabha polls and I’m happy to fulfil them within 100 days of the elections,” the chief minister said.

He posted on X: “We have taken a massive step towards strengthening #NariShakti in Assam. I joined my mothers and sisters from 126 constituencies to kickstart #Orunodoi3, to include additional beneficiaries and ensure 37 lakh families receive ₹1,250/month in the State.”

According to the chief minister, around 10,000 additional beneficiaries will be enlisted in each Assembly constituency of the state.

The BJP-led government will be prioritising destitute women, divyangs, widows, transgenders and other vulnerable people through the scheme and will provide them with financial security.

“Families with income below ₹2 lakh are eligible to apply and GoA will be spending ₹467cr/month on this scheme,” Sarma said.

The additional 12 lakh beneficiaries will be eligible to avail free foodgrains (5kg per person) every month under the NFSA.

“In this scheme, we will be spending over ₹440cr per month. The NFSA cards will also entail free treatment under Ayushman Bharat. These three welfare initiatives (DBT, free foodgrains and free medical insurance) will form a comprehensive social security net which will cover their nutritional, financial, medical & ancillary needs,” the chief minister said.

Sarma said that a beneficiary would first have to acquire a ration card to avail the scheme, the process for which was also launched on Thursday.

Sarma said existing beneficiaries will also have to apply afresh and all must possess ration card.

An official note said that as substantial time has elapsed since its launch in 2020, it has become “essential to update information and implement the scheme with improved standards and procedures”.