The Assam Government has unveiled a comprehensive relief package for people affected by the ongoing floods, introducing enhanced financial assistance, educational support and compensation measures to help families recover from the monsoon disaster.
As part of the package, the government has waived the requirement for a post-mortem examination to release ex-gratia assistance in cases of flood-related deaths. The next of kin of deceased persons will now be eligible to receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh without the need to submit a post-mortem report.
The government also announced that families of people who have remained missing for more than 30 days due to the floods will be entitled to an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh, subject to the prescribed legal process.
In addition to the statutory compensation, the state will provide ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of each deceased person. This assistance will be paid over and above the ₹4 lakh ex-gratia.
To provide immediate support, more than one lakh families severely affected by the floods will receive financial assistance of ₹15,000 each to meet essential household expenses.
The government further announced that benefits under the Orunodoi scheme will resume from August 1. Beneficiaries in the flood-hit districts of Charaideo, Jorhat, Golaghat and Sivasagar will receive ₹2,500 for the month of August.
Students in the worst-affected districts will also receive educational assistance from August. The package includes book grants of ₹1,000 for higher secondary students, ₹3,000 for undergraduate students and ₹5,000 for postgraduate students. Free textbooks will be distributed to all school students, while financial assistance will also be provided for the purchase of school uniforms.
To help students who lost academic documents in the floods, the government will reissue Class X and Class XII marksheets and certificates free of charge.
The state also announced that assessments of damage to houses, livestock, fisheries and agricultural crops will begin on August 3. Compensation will be provided to eligible beneficiaries in accordance with the prescribed norms after the assessment process is completed.
The measures form part of the Assam Government’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts as authorities continue to provide financial assistance and support to families affected by the widespread flooding.
