Guwahati: The funds under the Arunoday Scheme will be disbursed only on March 10. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma made this announcement while addressing the media on Tuesday (Arunoday Scheme Payment March 10). He stated that the Arunoday Scheme funds are distributed on the 10th of every month. Therefore, instead of February 20, the funds will be released on March 10. On that day, 9,000 will be provided under the scheme instead of the previously announced 8,000.
Under the Arunoday Scheme, each beneficiary woman receives Rs.1,250 per month. However, in view of the upcoming Assembly elections, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that three months’ installments would be disbursed together along with additional financial assistance. Initially, he had declared that Rs. 8,000 would be provided together on February 20. But yesterday, he announced that Rs.9,000 would instead be distributed on March 10.
The scheme was first launched in 2020 by the Government of Assam. It was initiated during the tenure of then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. At the time of its launch, it was stated that around 17 lakh families would directly benefit from the scheme. Initially, financial assistance of Rs. 830 per beneficiary was announced. On December 1, 2020, the scheme was formally inaugurated at a function held at the Numaligarh Jalah Parade Ground in Amingaon by then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and then Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. In 2021, the assistance amount was increased from Rs. 830 to Rs.1,000, and it has now been raised to Rs.1,250.
In October last year, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said about the scheme, “The Arunoday Scheme is not merely a financial assistance program. It is an expression of gratitude towards our mothers. Instead of criticizing the scheme, the Congress should come forward and think about how it can be expanded.”
In September last year, the third phase of the Arunoday Scheme was launched. The Chief Minister inaugurated the third phase at a public meeting held at the playground of the College of Veterinary Science in Khanapara.