Nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries to get Rs 9,000 next week: Himanta on Women's Day
Guwahati (PTI): Emphasising that women empowerment has been central to Assam's growth story, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, on the occasion of International Women's Day, said that nearly 40 lakh 'Orunodoi' beneficiaries will receive Rs 9,000 each next week.
The consolidated payment comprising grants for four months along with an additional amount will be made on Tuesday, making it a record bank transfer of Rs 3,600 crore on a single day under a government scheme, he claimed.
The single-day transfer to women beneficiaries comes as the state gears up for Assembly elections, when the BJP-led government will seek a third straight term.
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"On March 10 at 10.30 am, 40 lakh Orunodoi families will receive Rs 9,000 each," Sarma said in a Facebook Live.
Orunodoi is a flagship poverty alleviation scheme of the current government, under which eligible women beneficiaries receive Rs 1,250 per month.
On the occasion, meetings will be held at the local level across the state, and the CM invited the beneficiary families to attend those, maintaining that it was the support of the people which has been the strength of the government.
"On a single day, Rs 3,600 crore will be transferred to the beneficiaries, it will also be a record," he claimed.
Sarma had announced earlier that payment for four months from January this year, along with an additional amount for Bohag Bihu celebration (marking the Assamese New Year in mid-April), will be paid together in March.
Highlighting his government's focus on women’s development, Sarma said in a post on X: "Empowering women has been central to Assam's growth story. From financial security to education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, our initiatives are helping lakhs of women step forward with confidence and independence."
"Today, we celebrate the strength and spirit of Assam's #NariShakti," he added.
In another post seeking support for the party in the coming elections, Sarma said, "One right vote can change the voice inside every home. The focus of @BJP4Assam has been to empower Assam's #NariShakti and every action of ours has reflected this belief."
Asserting that the effort to empower women will continue with more rigour, he appealed all to "Choose wisely, choose BJP".
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO), also in a post on the social media site, maintained that major strides have been made for the women of the state.
Under Central and state governments initiatives that have helped women, over 59 lakh tap water connections and more than 51 lakh Ujjwala gas connections for smoke-free kitchens have been provided.
Over 5.5 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' have been created in the state, more than 900 women-led startups have been opened and 56,000 Anganwadi workers trained.
"On #WomensDay, we celebrate Assam's unstoppable #NariShakti, who are securing futures, leading enterprises & shaping a #ViksitAssam," the CMO added.
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Student attacks classmates at residential school in Karnataka, one dead
Ballari (Karnataka)(PTI): A class nine student allegedly went on a rampage at a private residential school here, killing one and injuring others with a sharp object and an iron rod, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place at the school hostel on Saturday night, they said.
The deceased boy was a native of Andhra Pradesh. The body was shifted to the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, for post-mortem.
According to officials, an investigation is underway to determine the motive and weapon used for the incident. A search is also on to nab the accused student, who apparently fled the scene immediately.
"Nine students were under the supervision of a social science teacher (also hostel warden) on Saturday night. The student (accused), in a fit of rage, attacked everyone randomly... unfortunately, one student died and seven others are undergoing treatment," Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari Range P S Harsha said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the teacher's statement has been recorded and a preliminary inquiry was conducted. Also, the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams have visited the spot.
"This case will be considered under the law as one involving a juvenile, who is in conflict with law. So, the investigation should be done sensitively under the Juvenile Justice Act, keeping in mind the safeguards available for the accused. More information cannot be shared."
He further said, "The statements of the deceased boy's parents will also be recorded. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and a report will be submitted to the concerned courts."
According to sources, the warden is also said to have sustained injuries while attempting to intervene.
The students were reportedly asleep in the hostel after dinner, when the accused boy attacked his peers with an iron rod and a sharp object.
Sources suspect that some minor dispute might have triggered the incident.
The student, who was seriously injured in the attack, died on the way to the hospital.
Brucepet Police Station police have registered a case, and an investigation is on.
