Gaurav Gogoi Urges Transparency in Flood Funding During PM Modi's Assam Visit

Call for Clarity on Flood Relief Funds

Jorhat, Dec 20: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), called for the central government to publish a white paper outlining the funds allocated for flood and erosion management in the state.

Speaking at a day-long event in Majuli, Gogoi urged the Prime Minister and the Union government to tackle Assam's persistent flood and erosion issues with more transparency.

“We expect the Prime Minister and the central authorities to take a serious approach towards the flood and erosion challenges in Assam. A detailed white paper should be released, indicating the financial resources allocated for these issues,” Gogoi stated.

He also requested a comparative analysis of funds distributed during national disasters across different states, using examples from other regions.

“We seek a comparison with states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to assess the funding provided during similar calamities,” he remarked.

Gogoi emphasized the infrastructure advancements made during the Congress-led government at the national level, noting that significant connectivity projects in Assam were completed under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's leadership.

“The National Project status granted to initiatives like the Bogibeel Bridge and the Silchar–Lumding gauge conversion was backed by sufficient financial support. The pressing question now is how much funding Assam has actually received for flood and erosion management,” Gogoi added.

Previously, on October 7, the Union government sanctioned an additional Rs 313.69 crore for Assam to aid recovery efforts following the floods and landslides that impacted the state in 2024.

This decision was made during a High-Level Committee meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Official sources indicated that the committee approved a total assistance of Rs 707.97 crore for both Assam and Gujarat, with Gujarat receiving Rs 394.28 crore.