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Guwahati, Nov 21 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday highlighted how a ration card is becoming a powerful tool of empowerment of women across the state by providing them access to multiple welfare benefits and essential support systems.
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The Chief Minister said, “In Assam, a ration card can truly empower a woman. From Ayushman coverage of Rs 5 lakh to Orunodoi benefits, free rice, essential groceries and subsidized cooking gas – one card, countless lifelines for our mothers and sisters.”
He summarized the initiative with the slogan: “One ration card. One woman. Countless benefits.”
According to the state government, women holding ration cards are eligible for health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, significantly reducing the financial burden of medical treatment on families.
Additionally, eligible women receive direct financial assistance under the popular Orunodoi scheme, which has emerged as one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs in Assam.
The initiative mainly targets widows, single mothers, elderly women and those living below the poverty line.
Food security remains the central focus of the government’s welfare campaign.
Under the public distribution system, each beneficiary is entitled to five kilos of free rice every month.
Along with this, essential commodities like one kg masoor dal, sugar and salt are provided at subsidized rates to ensure nutritional support to the families.
Subsidized cooking gas connections are also being provided to women beneficiaries, thereby reducing dependence on traditional fuel sources and promoting clean and safe household environments.
Officials said linking these schemes to ration cards has helped streamline distribution, prevent leakages and ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the State Government is committed to women-centric governance and inclusive development, adding that empowering women at the grassroots level is the key to building a stronger and more self-reliant Assam.
–IANS
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