Assam CM Announces Enhanced Orunodoi Scheme Payment of Rs 1,500 for October 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a special festive boost under the Orunodoi scheme. Beneficiaries across the state will now receive Rs 1,500 instead of the usual Rs 1,250 for October 2026, timed to coincide with Durga Puja celebrations.

Key Details of the Enhancement in Orunodoi Scheme

1. What it is: Assam's flagship DBT welfare scheme, built around women's empowerment and reducing poverty among vulnerable households.
2. Launch date: Rolled out on October 2, 2020, and now operating in its expanded form as Orunodoi 3.0.
3. Regular monthly benefit: Eligible households normally receive Rs 1,250 every month, covering essential needs such as food and medicine.
4. October 2026 boost: The amount rises to Rs 1,500 for around 37 lakh women beneficiaries this month only, credited via DBT on October 10.
5. Who benefits: Widows, unmarried or divorced women, and persons with disabilities from economically weaker households get priority.
6. Who's excluded: Families of government employees and other financially better-off households don't qualify.

Orunodoi Beneficiaries to Get Rs 1,500 in October, Up Rs 250 from the Usual Rs 1,250

The additional Rs 250 will reach accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer on October 10, 2026. This isn't a permanent revision but a festive gesture meant to ease household expenses during the puja season.

Eligibility Criteria for the Orunodoi 3.0 Scheme

1. Orunodoi 3.0 is the latest phase of Assam's flagship anti-poverty DBT programme, reaching over 37 lakh women-led households. 
2. Priority goes to widows, unmarried or divorced women above 45, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. 
3. The household's annual income must stay under Rs 2 lakh. Government employees, income-tax payers, and those owning vehicles or land beyond set limits don't qualify. 
4. The scheme also links benefits to NFSA ration cards under its "One Ration Card, One Orunodoi" approach.

Cabinet Approves 20 Percent Puja Bonus for ATCL Employees and Tea Workers

Alongside the Orunodoi hike, the Cabinet approved a 20 percent Puja bonus for eligible employees and tea garden workers of the Assam Tea Corporation Limited.

October 17 Declared an Extra Holiday for Assam Government Employees Ahead of Durga Puja

The government also declared October 17 an additional holiday for state employees, giving them an extended break since October 18 already falls on a Sunday.