Guwahati, Aug 3: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 3 announced the release of the first instalment of interim financial assistance for families affected by the recent floods, with the state government earmarking Rs 112 crore to support immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Under the package, each eligible flood-affected household will receive Rs 15,000 as interim assistance. The first phase is expected to benefit more than 60,000 families across the four worst-hit districts, with the total number of beneficiaries likely to increase to around 75,000 as damage assessments continue.
According to the chief minister, the assistance will cover more than 35,000 families in Sivasagar, over 19,000 in Charaideo, more than 4,000 in Jorhat and over 2,000 families in Golaghat.
Sarma said the government would continue surveying flood-affected areas to identify additional eligible households, adding that more families could be included in the relief programme as the assessment process progresses.
He also announced additional support for displaced families in Sivasagar and Charaideo who remain unable to return to their homes. Families in the two districts still residing in relief camps or temporary shelters by August 9 will receive an extra Rs 10,000 from August 10 to help them cope with the prolonged displacement.
The chief minister further said a comprehensive ground-level assessment of flood-related losses and casualties in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat will begin on August 10. Financial assistance and compensation will be released to eligible families after the verification process is completed in accordance with government norms.
Alongside the flood relief announcements, Sarma said the state government has released its share of the subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to support the installation of rooftop solar systems and help reduce household electricity expenses.
The announcements come as the Assam government intensifies relief, rehabilitation and damage assessment efforts in Upper Assam, where the recent floods caused extensive damage to homes, agricultural land, livestock and public infrastructure.
