Fund Utilisation By Orunodoi Beneficiaries : A Case Study of Bishnupur Kalita Gaon,Dhemaji District , Assam.

The Orunodoi Scheme, launched in Assam in 2020, is one of the state’s most significant direct benefit transfer (DBT) initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s role in household welfare and decision-making. This study, based on a case analysis of 100 beneficiary households in Bishnupur Kalita Gaon, Dhemaji District, explores how the monthly allowance is utilized and what challenges beneficiaries face. The findings reveal that a large share of the assistance is spent on food and nutrition (70%) and healthcare (50%), while smaller portions are directed toward children’s education, debt repayment, and limited savings. The scheme has improved household consumption and given women greater involvement in day-to-day financial decisions. However, its overall impact is constrained by inadequate allowance, inflation, delayed disbursement, lack of financial literacy, and socio-cultural barriers. The paper argues that timely disbursement, periodic revision of allowance, promotion of financial literacy, and awareness programs to reduce gender-based restrictions are crucial to enhancing the long-term effectiveness of the scheme. keywords: orunodoi scheme, women’s empowerment, direct benefit transfer, household expenditure, assam.