In a festive gesture timed for the upcoming Sharodiya Durga Puja, the Assam Cabinet on Thursday approved a package of special measures aimed at bringing extra cheer to low-income households, tea garden workers and government employees across the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decisions after the Cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, later sharing the highlights on social media with the message: “Some good news ahead of Durga Puja! We have taken a few special decisions to make the festive season more joyful, for our Orunodoi beneficiaries, ATCL employees and an additional holiday for State Govt employees. Wishing everyone a joyful Puja season ahead!”
Under the first decision, all beneficiaries of the flagship Orunodoi scheme will receive ₹1,500 for the month of October instead of the regular monthly assistance of ₹1,250. The additional ₹250 has been described as a one-time Durga Puja special amount. Orunodoi, Assam’s largest direct benefit transfer programme, primarily supports women from economically weaker sections and currently covers nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries. Sarma indicated that a similar festive enhancement could be considered for Rongali Bihu in April.
The second measure provides a 20 per cent Puja bonus to all eligible employees and Cha Shramiks (tea garden workers) of the state-owned Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL). The move brings ATCL gardens in line with 548 of the state’s 807 tea estates that have already declared a 20 per cent bonus. Discussions are continuing with the remaining private gardens, and the Chief Minister expressed hope that they would follow suit.
Thirdly, the Cabinet declared October 17 an additional public holiday for state government employees. This compensates for the loss of a scheduled Puja holiday that falls on Sunday, October 18, effectively extending the festive break and allowing staff more time with families during the celebrations.
These announcements come as Assam prepares for one of its most significant festivals, with Durga Puja drawing large crowds to pandals across the Brahmaputra Valley and beyond. Orunodoi itself has evolved since its launch during the Covid-19 period; relaunched as Orunodoi 3.0 after the 2026 Assembly elections, it continues to serve as a key poverty-alleviation tool through monthly cash transfers to women heads of households.
CM Sarma framed the package as a way to ease the financial burden on ordinary families and workers during the festive season, underscoring the government’s focus on inclusive welfare under its broader development vision. The decisions were widely welcomed by supporters as timely festive support, though some online voices questioned the fiscal implications of the additional payouts.
