Assam: Married women falsely declared widows for Orunodoi 3.0 scheme benefits in Dhing

More than 50 women staged a heated protest at Dumdumia Gram Panchayat in Assam’s Dhing on March 12, exposing severe irregularities in the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme. The protesters alleged that beneficiaries' names were unfairly deleted, bribes were taken, and married women were falsely registered as widows to gain benefits.

According to the allegations, some committee members overseeing the Orunodoi Aasni selection process removed names of legitimate beneficiaries who refused to pay bribes, while ineligible individuals secured spots by paying illegal amounts. Additionally, the president of the village panchayat was accused of taking Rs 1,000 per applicant in the name of the scheme.

The situation has sparked widespread outrage, with affected women demanding accountability. Many claimed that despite Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s strict guidelines on the scheme, local authorities manipulated the selection process for personal gains.

While no official action has been confirmed, the allegations have intensified public scrutiny on the implementation of Orunodoi 3.0. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter and take necessary steps to address the grievances.

The Orunodoi scheme is a flagship welfare initiative of the Assam government, aimed at providing financial assistance to economically weaker women. However, frequent allegations of corruption have marred its implementation in several districts.

As the controversy unfolds, the demand for a transparent investigation and strict action against those responsible grows stronger. The government’s response in the coming days will be crucial in restoring public faith in the welfare scheme.