Assam Government Moves to Compensate Flood-Affected Families
Compensation for Flood Victims in Assam
An elderly lady from flood hit Upper Assam navigating through floodwaters (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Oct 12: The Assam administration has finalized three rounds of assessments, covering 57,000 families impacted by floods in Upper Assam, with compensation projected at approximately Rs 1,100 crore.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced during a press conference in Chopaidong, Guwahati, that the proposal for funds will be submitted to the central government within the next few days, expressing optimism about a swift response.
Sarma indicated that should there be any delays from the Centre, the state would initiate phased disbursement of the compensation.
He confirmed that families eligible for compensation have already been notified of the amounts they are set to receive.
"We utilized tablets for the survey and shared the results with the families, detailing their compensation amounts," he explained.
In response to Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi's request for compensation for 200,000 families, Sarma challenged this number, asserting that the floods did not impact that many households.
"We had disconnected electricity for only 130,000 individuals, so how could he claim two lakh families were affected? He seems to be politicizing the situation for his own gain," Sarma remarked.
The Chief Minister clarified that the Rs 10,000 payment is merely a temporary aid, with plans for full compensation for those who qualify.
"Compensation will be provided to those genuinely affected; however, those who were not impacted will not receive any funds. Gogoi is attempting to politicize this issue by rallying support from those who are ineligible for compensation," he added.
Sarma also criticized Gogoi for his protests, referencing past floods in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Bokakhat, and Lower Assam, and noted that political leaders did not take similar actions during those times.
"His actions appear to be aimed at gaining cheap publicity. If we focus on him, the people of Assam will regress," Sarma concluded.
In the meantime, Raijor Dal organized another demonstration outside the Ministers’ Quarters in Dispur on Monday, advocating for compensation for flood victims in three districts of Upper Assam.
Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets, chanting slogans such as “Inquilab Zindabad” and demanding financial support for those affected by the floods.
"We felt compelled to protest because Assam has suffered under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership. Compensation is essential," stated one protester.
Additionally, Gogoi's sit-in at the Assembly grounds in Dispur, calling for compensation for flood-affected families in Upper Assam, marked its 11th day on Monday.