Over 100 women protested in Dibrugarh, alleging political bias in the removal of eligible beneficiaries from Assam’s Orunodoi scheme
Dibrugarh: More than 100 women protested at the Khowang Sub-District Office in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, alleging that eligible beneficiaries had been removed from the Orunodoi welfare scheme for political reasons.
Women from Dhemeci, Haldhibari, Lezai, Gajpuria and other panchayats gathered at the office seeking restoration of their benefits.
The protesters alleged that names of poor, widowed and specially-abled women were removed after they supported Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi during the Assembly elections. They also alleged involvement of local BJP leaders and the area MLA.
Several women questioned the removal of beneficiaries who had received Rs 830 per month under the scheme since its launch. They further alleged that financially well-off families, including those owning luxury vehicles and households of government employees, continued to receive the benefits.
The protesters demanded an immediate administrative inquiry into the beneficiary list and restoration of benefits for all eligible women. They warned of a larger democratic movement if their grievances were not addressed.
The Orunodoi scheme provides financial assistance to economically vulnerable women and households across Assam.
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