Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday launched the Baideu and Nabou schemes under Social Welfare Department.
Baideu (elder sister in Assamese) is meant for single and/or unmarried women aged 45 years and above and Nabou (elder sister-in-law) is for lonely widows, both below poverty line.
This twin scheme would entail for 1.26 unmarried women and widows in Assam Rs 3,000 annually and a one-time grant of Rs 10,000 each.
“Our government is committed to ameliorating the economic lot of women, especially those in the BPL category,” Gogoi said. “We are pro-poor, and this is evident from a slew of schemes for the needy.”
Women, the chief minister added, deserved financial help owing to their industriousness. He also pointed out how self-help groups run by women have been faring better than other SHGs in Assam.
According to Social Welfare Minister Akon Bora, the government has also focused attention on younger, unmarried women belonging to BPL families. Schemes for them include a one-time marriage assistance of Rs 10,000.