Assam Seeks ₹1,100 Crore for Flood Relief Amid Centre's Review of Disaster Funds
Government's Response to Flood Devastation
An aerial view of flood devastation in Upper Assam. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Oct 13: The central government is contemplating changes to the relief amounts and eligibility criteria associated with the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). This comes as Assam prepares to request approximately ₹1,100 crore to compensate families impacted by the floods that occurred on June 19 in Upper Assam.
Rajya Sabha MP Jogen Mohan reported on Tuesday that Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, has indicated that revisions to the relief guidelines are currently in progress.
Mohan mentioned that Rai's correspondence indicated that a committee tasked with reviewing the SDRF/NDRF relief guidelines includes representatives from various states, including Assam.
He further noted that Assam is set to receive ₹843 crore from the SDRF for the financial year 2026-27, which consists of ₹758.70 crore from the Centre and ₹84.30 crore from the state government.
In a social media update, Mohan expressed that he had raised issues regarding flood relief and rehabilitation in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour on July 30 and made a Special Mention on August 12, advocating for increased financial support, revised SDRF/NDRF guidelines, and a special relief package for the affected families.
“I have consistently brought attention to the flooding situation in Assam, especially in the severely impacted districts of Upper Assam, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced support for those affected,” Mohan stated.
Previously, the Centre had allocated ₹379.35 crore as an advance release of the first installment of its SDRF contribution to Assam, aimed at bolstering flood relief and rehabilitation efforts. This funding was part of a larger ₹2,117.85-crore assistance package designated for seven states affected by floods.
Mohan also pointed out the urgent need for assistance regarding damaged homes and vehicles, disruptions to education, repayment of business loans, support for small businesses, self-employed individuals, students, and compensation for losses in crops and livestock.
The Centre has begun the process of communicating with relevant ministries and departments to facilitate necessary actions, he added.
In related news, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday that the state government has completed three rounds of surveys covering 57,000 families affected by the floods in Upper Assam. The estimated compensation required is around ₹1,100 crore.
“We will submit the proposal to the Centre within two to three days, and I am optimistic that we will receive the funds promptly,” Sarma stated during a press briefing in Chopaidong, Guwahati.
He also mentioned that the state would distribute compensation in phases if there are delays in fund disbursement from the Centre. Eligible families have already been informed about the compensation amounts they are set to receive, with assessments conducted using tablets, and results shared with the families involved.