Guwahati, 01 August (HS): Assam Minister for Women and Child Development, Tourism and Guardian Minister of Kamrup district Ajanta Neog on Saturday attended the district-level launch of Arunodoi 3.0 at 82 No. Bongshar Gaon Panchayat under the Sualkuchi Development Block in Kamrup. The programme was held simultaneously with the State-level launch in Guwahati, where Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma formally rolled out the flagship welfare scheme. Similar events were organised at over 3,500 locations across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Neog said the Assam Government has been working to strengthen women's economic independence under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. She described Arunodoi 3.0 as a pioneering initiative that has become a model for ensuring women's socio-economic security and financial empowerment.

The minister said the scheme has significantly contributed to making women financially self-reliant. She noted that with the launch of Arunodoi 3.0, enhanced financial assistance under the scheme has started reaching eligible beneficiaries from the first allocation of the 2026-27 State Budget.

Highlighting the government's focus on financial inclusion, Neog said provisions have been introduced to provide advance financial assistance to beneficiaries. She also said small loans would be made available under the scheme to help women avoid falling into debt, particularly in view of the hardships caused by microfinance loans in the past.

She further informed that beneficiaries in the flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat have been provided a special financial assistance of ₹2,500 each.

Hajo-Sualkuchi MLA Prakash Chandra Das, Kamrup District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra, Zila Parishad representatives and other dignitaries attended the programme. Earlier in the day, Neog also inaugurated the 15 No. Pub Fulbari Pahar Anganwadi Centre under the Sualkuchi ICDS Project in Kamrup district.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash