Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said Arunodoi is a unique scheme for women that will empower them and will contribute to the economic development.

Addressing the media, Sarma said the finance department will implement the scheme and Rs 2,80,000 crore has been earmarked for the Arunodoi scheme.

A woman member ofeach family will be made the beneficiary of the scheme. "The scheme is a step forward for women empowerment," Himanta Biswa Sarma said, adding, "Women being primarily home makers would become the beneficiaries of the scheme and the amount will be deposited in the women citizens' accounts."

The scheme will be launched on October 2 this year and every month up to the next five years 17 lakh families will be provided Rs 830 to families having an annual income of less than Rs. 2 lakh.

The selection of the families' beneficiaries will begin from August 17.

Giving a detailed breakdown of the amount, Sarma said, Rs.400 has been allotted for the purchase of medicine, Rs.150 for vegetables, 50% off on 4 kgs of ration and 4kgs of sugar.

However, the scheme will be given to only 15,000 beneficiaries in constituencies with less than two lakh active voters, while, the scheme will be provided to 17,000 beneficiaries in constituencies with more than two lakh active voters.