The Orunodoi scheme, which translates to “the first ray of morning sun,” has become exactly what its name suggests a beacon of hope illuminating the path toward financial security and dignity for economically vulnerable households across the state.
If you live in Assam, you probably hear the name Orunodoi all the time – in markets, at town meetings, and on the news. If you’re not from around here, you might be wondering why this state program is such a big deal.
Well, let’s take a closer look at Orunodoi. It’s not just a government thing; it’s like a helping hand for many families. We’ll talk about where it came from, how it’s changed over time, how it’s helping women in Assam, and why a lot of people think it’s one of the best ways India has found to get money directly to the people who need it most.
So, What’s Orunodoi All About?
To get what it’s about, let’s start with the name. Orunodoi means Sunrise. The people who picked the name wanted it to show what the program does: it brings a fresh start and a chance for better financial times to people in need.
The Assam government started Orunodoi on October 2, 2020. It’s their main program to fight poverty. The idea is simple: instead of giving things like rice at a reduced cost (which can sometimes get lost or stolen), the government directly sends money to people’s bank accounts.
But here’s what makes Orunodoi special: the money doesn’t go to just anyone in the family. It goes to the woman who heads the family. Why? Because studies show that when women have money, they almost always use it to take care of their families – things like medicine, good food, and school for the kids.
What’s the Goal?
Orunodoi has two main goals:
- Help Women Be Strong: It puts women in charge of the family’s finances.
- Provide Some Security: It gives families a bit of money each month to help with food and medical needs.
How It’s Grown: From ₹830 to ₹1250 and Beyond
When Orunodoi first started, people got ₹830 each month. Now, some might think that’s not a lot. But for a family struggling to get by in a faraway part of Assam, ₹830 could be the difference between getting medicine for a sick parent or buying food for the kids.
The government figured out that amount by looking at the cost of some important things:
- Medicine: ₹400
- Beans and Lentils: ₹200
- Sugar: ₹80
- Fruits and Veggies: ₹150
Orunodoi 2.0 and Getting Bigger
As prices went up, the government knew they needed to do more. So, they increased the amount to ₹1,000, and then again to ₹1,250 each month.
With Orunodoi 2.0, they wanted to do even more than just give more money. They wanted to include more people and make sure the program was fair. They tried to add many new people to the program – especially widows, people with disabilities, and women who aren’t married. At the same time, they worked to remove people who didn’t really need the help anymore because their situation had improved.
Now, there’s talk about Orunodoi 3.0. The idea is to connect the program even closer to people’s ration cards, so everyone who should be getting the money gets it without a lot of trouble.
Why Focus on Women?
One of the best things about Orunodoi is that it focuses on women. In a lot of families, women don’t have a lot of say about money. They have to ask their husbands or fathers for money to buy even small things for the house.
By giving the money to the woman in the family, the government is changing things.
- Women Have Freedom: A woman with her own money can make choices. She can decide to buy milk for her child or medicine for herself without having to ask anyone.
- Women Learn About Banks: The program has helped many women in the villages open bank accounts. Now, they’re part of the banking system, which can help them save money and get loans in the future.
- Money Is Used Wisely: Studies all over the world show that when women get money, kids are more likely to get good food and be healthy.
Who Can Get Orunodoi?
With a program this big, there have to be rules to make sure the money goes to the right people. Orunodoi is meant for those who need it most.
Who Gets First Dibs?
The program doesn’t just pick people at random. It gives priority to families facing tough times:
- Widows: Women who have lost their husbands and don’t have anyone to support them.
- Women Who Aren’t Married: Especially those who are older and living with their parents or on their own.
- Women Who Are Divorced or Separated: Those who have been left by their husbands.
- People with Disabilities: Families with someone who has a disability.
Who Can’t Get It?
It’s also important to know who can’t get Orunodoi. To keep the program fair, these people are not included:
- People who work for the government or get a pension.
- Families who pay taxes.
- Families who own a car or a big boat.
- Families with a lot of land.
- Families with things like a refrigerator or washing machine (this one is sometimes argued about, but it’s used as a way to tell if a family is doing well).
How to Sign Up
Orunodoi doesn’t just have you apply online and wait forever. It uses people in the villages and towns to help.
- People in Your Area Help: The first step happens at the village council or town office. This means people who know the area can help find those who are really struggling.
- The Info Is Collected: The forms are then put into a computer. That’s where the people in charge at the district level look over the list carefully.
- Money Is Sent: Once the list is final and bank accounts are connected, the state government sends the money on the 10th of each month (that’s Orunodoi Day). The money goes straight from the government to people’s accounts.
Knowing the money will be there on the 10th is a huge thing. People can plan to buy groceries or medicine.
How It Helps Assam’s Economy
Orunodoi is a program to help people, but it also has a big impact on the economy.
- Helps Villages Do Well: When you put a lot of money into the hands of people in the villages each month, that money gets used right away.
- Women Buy Things: Women buy vegetables at the market. They buy medicine at the store. They pay for a ride to the bank.
This helps the local economy. The money goes around within the area, which helps businesses and shops.
- A Backup During Tough Times: This program was really important during the pandemic and when Assam has floods. When people can’t work, the Orunodoi money helps them buy basic things like rice.
Problems and Criticisms
No program is perfect. To be honest about things, we have to look at the problems too.
- Some People Are Missed: The biggest problem is making sure the right people are on the list.
- Some widows who really need help haven’t been able to get on the list because they don’t have the right papers.
- Some families who are doing pretty well have managed to get on the list because of who they know.
- Is It Too Easy?: Some people worry that giving money away might make people not want to work. They think the government should focus on creating jobs instead. But others say that for someone who is a widow or has a disability, a job isn’t always the answer. They need help just to survive. This money isn’t a paycheck; it’s just enough to get by.
- Prices Go Up: Even though the amount has been increased, the cost of things like cooking oil and medicine has gone up a lot too. Some people feel the money isn’t worth as much as it used to be.
Orunodoi Month: A Special Check-Up
To deal with the problem of people getting money who shouldn’t, the Assam government started something special called Orunodoi Month.
During this time, students from colleges went to people’s houses to check things out. They made sure the people really existed, that they lived in the conditions they said they did, and that they didn’t own things they weren’t supposed to, like cars.
This was a good idea for a couple of reasons:
- It Was Fair: It helped find a lot of people who weren’t eligible.
- It Got Young People Involved: It made the young people of Assam more aware of how much poverty there is in their state, which made them want to help.
Real People, Real Stories
Let’s forget the numbers for a minute and talk about the people who are part of Orunodoi.
There’s Malati, who lives on an island in the river. Her husband died a few years ago. She has three kids and no land. She makes fishing nets to earn money, but it’s not always steady. When Orunodoi started, she was one of the first to sign up.
She says, The 10th of the month is like a holiday for me. I know that even if I don’t sell a net, I can buy my medicine and pay for my son’s school. It makes me feel respected.
Then there’s Rina in Guwahati. She’s divorced and lives in a small room. She works as a maid. During the floods, she couldn’t work for a while, and her pay was cut. But then the Orunodoi money came. It kept us from going hungry, she says.
These are just a couple of stories, but they show what’s happening for over 26 lakh women in Assam.
How to See If You’re Signed Up
If you’re reading this and think you might be getting Orunodoi, or if you’re helping someone check, here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official website (usually the district or state government website).
- Look for the Orunodoi list.
- You can search by the district and the person’s name.
- The easiest way to know for sure is to check your bank statement.
Be careful of internet places that charge a lot of money just to check the list. The information should be public and free.
How It Compares to Other Programs
How does Orunodoi compare to other programs in India that help people?
- Ladli Behna (Madhya Pradesh): Similar, helps women with money.
- Lakshmir Bhandar (West Bengal): Another big program that gives money to women.
Orunodoi is special because it pays closer attention to people’s health and disabilities. It’s not just money for women; it’s about helping with food and medical needs. Also, the way they check to make sure people are eligible is a good model for other states to follow.
What’s Next: Orunodoi 3.0 and Keeping It Going
What will happen with Orunodoi in the future?
The government says it’s not just a temporary thing; they’re committed to it for the long haul. Their plans include:
- Connecting with identification: To make sure no one is getting the money twice.
- Combining with Ration Cards: To connect food help with money help.
- Job Training: There’s talk about connecting the women who get Orunodoi with groups that help people start their own businesses. The idea is to use the money as a starting point and then train these women in things like weaving or farming so they can eventually earn more than the subsidy.
The best thing any program can do is make itself not needed anymore. Ideally, the women of Assam would be doing so well that they wouldn’t need the ₹1,250. But until then, Orunodoi is there to help them get through tough times.
In Conclusion
Orunodoi is more than just a number on a bank statement. It’s a sign that the state recognizes the hard work and struggles of its women.
It shows a change from just making promises to actually helping people. For the woman watching the river wash away her land, or the mother caring for a child with special needs, this program brings some stability to their lives.
Orunodoi means the rising sun. For the 2.6 million+ families in Assam, it has lived up to its name, pushing back the darkness of poverty and bringing the warmth of financial security. As the program continues to evolve, we can only hope that it stays true to its purpose: helping the woman who needs it most.
If you live in Assam, take a look around. You might see the impact of Orunodoi in the smile of someone who could finally afford something they needed. That’s what direct help can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions people have about Orunodoi.
- Can I sign up online by myself?
- For the most part, you need to sign up through the local village or town office so they can check things in person. The forms are put online later, but the first step is usually in person.
- Why did my payments stop?
- If you used to get money and it stopped, it could be because your bank account isn’t connected to your identification or because you were found to be not eligible during a check-up.
- Do I have to pay taxes on the Orunodoi money?
- No, this is a social program and not taxable.
- Can women who aren’t married sign up?
- Yes, as long as they meet the age requirements and other conditions.
- How much money do people get right now?
- The amount has been increased to ₹1,250 per month, and the government looks at it regularly to see if it needs to change.