Assam announces fresh relief package for flood victims; damage assessment to begin soon

Guwahati, Aug 7 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state government has begun implementing a series of relief measures announced for flood-affected families, asserting that immediate assistance and rehabilitation support are being delivered on the ground.

In a social media post, CM Sarma said every relief measure announced by the government was being backed by swift implementation to ensure that flood-hit families receive timely assistance.

“Every relief measure announced is being backed by swift implementation on the ground. We are delivering immediate assistance, supporting rehabilitation and ensuring our flood-affected families receive the help they deserve,” the Chief Minister said.

The government has also announced that damage assessment across flood-affected areas will begin from August 9.

According to the relief package, each eligible family will receive an interim financial assistance of Rs 15,000 to meet immediate needs. The monthly Orunodoi benefit has been enhanced to Rs 2,500 for one month, while families in the worst-affected districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo will receive an additional assistance of Rs 10,000.

The government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of deceased persons without requiring a post-mortem report.

Besides this, an additional Rs 5 lakh assistance will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to families of those who lost their lives in the floods.

As part of relief measures, the state has announced a six-month moratorium on loan repayments, waiver of electricity bills and land revenue (Khazana), along with an extension of loan repayment tenure.

Special assistance has also been announced for rebuilding damaged Anganwadi centres and Namghars, with Rs 1.5 lakh earmarked for each damaged Namghar.

To minimise disruption in education, the government will provide financial assistance for replacement of textbooks, resupply school uniforms and issue duplicate copies of essential certificates free of cost for affected students.

Assam has witnessed widespread flooding over the past several days, affecting more than 1.68 lakh people across 15 districts. The state government has continued relief and rehabilitation efforts through camps, distribution centres and rescue operations in the flood-hit regions.

–IANS

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