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Assam Flood Rehabilitation: Central Support and Comprehensive Assessment Process

In response to the recent floods in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to providing full support for the rehabilitation of affected families. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma outlined a comprehensive three-tier assessment process to ensure that only genuine victims receive aid. With preliminary damage estimates exceeding Rs 150 crore for over 8,300 families, the government anticipates significant financial allocations for compensation. A formal grievance redressal mechanism will also be established to address any discrepancies in beneficiary lists. The government is set to release funds for damaged anganwadi centers and plans to extend similar support to namghars, ensuring timely assistance ahead of the upcoming month of Bhaddo.
 

Central Government's Commitment to Flood-Affected Families

Preliminary findings indicating damages worth more than Rs 150 Cr during assessments of 8,325 families (Photo: AT)

Guwahati, Aug 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged complete support from the Central government for the rehabilitation of authentic flood-affected families in Assam, while emphasizing the importance of excluding those who did not experience any loss or damage during the recent floods.

During a press briefing at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Assam will not face any financial constraints for rehabilitation efforts, as the Centre is dedicated to providing aid under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework.

“Prime Minister Modi has confirmed Central assistance for rehabilitation. However, he has instructed us to ensure that no family that did not incur losses during the floods is included in the beneficiary list,” Sarma explained.

Sarma elaborated that a three-tier survey process is being implemented, with Central support to be allocated according to PDNA standards, and a new strategy will be adopted to restore the affected districts.

As per Sarma, evaluations of 8,325 families have been finalized, revealing preliminary damage estimates exceeding Rs 150 crore for the registered families, with this figure expected to rise as assessments progress.

“The State government may need to allocate over Rs 1,000 crore for compensation and rehabilitation,” he noted.

Upon completion of the initial phase, the government will release a draft list of beneficiaries eligible for rehabilitation aid and compensation.

“Residents will have the opportunity to contest any discrepancies they observe. A second assessment round will take place from September 1 to September 10 to confirm the accuracy of the first evaluation,” Sarma stated.

He mentioned that a distinct team of educators will conduct the re-verification process to ensure fairness and precision.

“In the third verification stage, surveyors from unaffected districts will visit the impacted areas to perform fresh evaluations. Our goal is to create a robust system that leaves no room for objections,” he added.

The government will also implement a formal grievance redressal mechanism for residents wishing to address any omissions or inaccuracies in the beneficiary lists.

“There will be a system in place for individuals to submit complaints and objections. We aim to guarantee that every legitimate victim receives assistance while ensuring that ineligible individuals do not benefit,” the Chief Minister affirmed.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister announced the release of Rs 2.5 lakh each for damaged anganwadi centers in the affected regions. This support will benefit 350 centers in Sivasagar, 95 in Charaideo, 37 in Jorhat, and 12 in Golaghat.

Additionally, the State government intends to provide similar support to flood-affected namghars.

“Before August 20, we will allocate Rs 2.5 lakh each for namghars, especially in Jorhat and Golaghat, in anticipation of the month of Bhaddo,” Sarma concluded.