Assam Government Mandates Aadhaar Linking for Flood Relief Beneficiaries

Mandatory Aadhaar Linking for Flood Resettlement

Jorhat, Aug 7: The Assam state administration has announced that linking Aadhaar will be compulsory for individuals receiving flood resettlement aid. This decision follows the discovery of inconsistencies in the bank account information gathered during damage assessments, as stated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta on Friday.

During a training session focused on the Rapid Damage Assessment Survey utilizing a mobile application, held at the Convention Centre in Chinamora, Jorhat, Mahanta addressed senior officials and district representatives to strategize for the upcoming phase of resettlement in the four districts most impacted by the floods.

He noted that the initial phase of relief and rehabilitation has been completed, and preparations are underway to commence the resettlement of families affected in Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, and Charaideo.

"We are progressing methodically to assist all those impacted by the floods in Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, and Charaideo. The first phase of relief efforts is done, and we are now gearing up for resettlement. Today's training aims to ensure that the entire operation is executed efficiently and that all officials adhere to a standardized process for damage assessment," he remarked.

Mahanta emphasized that the mobile app-based survey would facilitate quicker and more precise data collection. He expressed optimism that the damage assessment could be finalized within 10 to 12 days, after which financial aid for resettlement would be disbursed.

"We anticipate completing the data collection accurately within 10 to 12 days. Once this is accomplished, eligible families will receive the necessary support to rebuild and resettle," he added.

Regarding the temporary suspension of assistance transfers, Mahanta explained that discrepancies were identified in some beneficiary bank account details collected during the door-to-door surveys.

"Our teams visited each affected household to gather bank account information, assuming the data was correct. However, we later discovered potential duplicates or inaccuracies. Upon realizing this, we halted the transfer process," he stated.

To prevent duplication and ensure that aid reaches the rightful beneficiaries, Aadhaar authentication will now be incorporated into the payment system.

"This time, we are linking beneficiary records with Aadhaar to eliminate duplication. We are also verifying the information provided by village heads before submitting the list for approval. The names are first sent to the Guwahati office, then to the Finance Department, and funds are released only after proper sanction," Mahanta explained.

He cautioned that strict legal measures would be enforced against any village head or local official found manipulating beneficiary lists or misappropriating flood relief funds.

"If we receive any complaints regarding tampering with beneficiary data or misuse of flood relief, we will conduct a thorough investigation and take legal action. We depend on village heads and mandals due to their close ties to the community, but any misconduct will not be tolerated," he asserted.

The minister also mentioned that the Agriculture Department has initiated assessments of farmland affected by the floods to evaluate whether the soil, either washed away or deposited by floodwaters, remains viable for cultivation.

The training session in Jorhat was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with ministers Keshab Mahanta, Pijush Hazarika, Atul Bora, Bimal Bora, Sushanta Borgohain, and Rameswar Teli. District Commissioners from Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Golaghat, as well as Revenue Circle Officers and other officials, were also present.