GUWAHATI: Assam Congress has decided to raise the bar saying that if it comes to power in 2026 every woman beneficiary in the state, regardless of caste, religion, or creed, will receive ₹3,000 monthly under the 'Na-Lakhimi' scheme.
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The announcement by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president, Bhupen Borah, on Thursday, September 19 coincided with the BJP-led state government rolling out Orunodoi 3.0 scheme under which women beneficiaries would get Rs 1,500 every month.
Speaking to the media, Borah stated that if Congress wins the 2026 elections in Assam, the Orunodoi scheme would be discontinued. He further stated that Congress is not against the scheme, but expressed concern about the state's employment situation. "Currently, 32 lakh people are vying for just 12,600 jobs. While some will secure employment, what about the others? Has the Chief Minister considered their future?" Borah questioned, adding that Congress plans to address these concerns when they take office.
He further accused the chief minister of selectively offering Orunodoi benefits to BJP members. Borah claimed that public interest in BJP events is waning, and that BJP leaders are finding it hard to gather crowds without offering forms for government schemes. "Once Congress takes charge in 2026, we will end Orunodoi and introduce Na-Lakhimi. The chief minister is using Orunodoi benefits to encourage people to join the BJP," Borah alleged.
Borah also criticised the government's heavy promotion of the Orunodoi scheme, suggesting it is insufficient to address the state's needs. Additionally, he expressed skepticism over the "One Nation, One Election" policy, raising concerns about its implementation. “The next Assam election is in 2026. If ‘One Nation, One Election’ starts in 2029, how will states like Assam, where the government’s term will end in 2031, be affected?” Borah asked, calling the proposal a complex issue.