GUWAHATI: The Assam government’s promotion of the additional ₹2,500 Orunodoi 3.0 assistance has drawn criticism after advertising hoardings appeared across parts of Guwahati, including Six Mile, while several flood-affected areas of the state continue to recover from the recent disaster.
The hoardings highlight the government’s decision to provide a one-time ₹2,500 special assistance to eligible Orunodoi beneficiaries in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat, in addition to the scheme’s regular monthly benefit of ₹1,250.
The special assistance was announced after the state advanced the August instalment of Orunodoi 3.0 to August 1, instead of the earlier scheduled date of August 3. The government stated that the move was aimed at providing quicker financial support to affected families.
The publicity campaign has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and some sections of social media, with critics arguing that the government’s focus should remain on flood relief, rehabilitation and assessment of damages rather than large-scale promotional activities.
Questions have also been raised over the timing of the hoardings, with critics pointing out that several flood-affected families are still dealing with damage to homes, crops and livelihoods, while the assessment of flood-related losses is yet to begin.
Supporters of the government, however, have defended the campaign, stating that the advertisements are intended to inform eligible beneficiaries about the additional assistance and ensure that people are aware of the financial support available under the Orunodoi scheme.
The Assam government has announced that assessment of flood-related damages in affected districts will begin in the coming days as rehabilitation efforts continue.