Guwahati, July 29 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday announced enhanced financial assistance for families affected by the devastating floods in the state, including an additional compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and an immediate interim relief of Rs 15,000 for every flood-affected family in the worst-hit districts.
Addressing the media after reviewing the flood situation, the Chief Minister said no amount of financial assistance could compensate for the loss of human lives, but the state government was committed to standing by the affected families during the crisis.
“The pain of losing loved ones cannot be alleviated by any amount of financial assistance. Nevertheless, to provide support to the families affected by the floods, an additional assistance of Rs 5 lakh will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the family members of each deceased person,” Sarma said.
He clarified that the additional assistance would be over and above the existing ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh provided under the prescribed norms, taking the total compensation for each deceased person’s family to Rs 9 lakh.
The Chief Minister also announced that every flood-affected family in the worst-hit districts would receive an immediate interim assistance of Rs 15,000 to help them meet urgent needs arising from the disaster.
Sarma said the relief would be extended to all eligible flood-affected families without discrimination, including government employees, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Mid-Day Meal workers and other categories of beneficiaries who are often excluded from certain compensation schemes.
The announcement comes as Assam continues to grapple with one of the season’s worst flood spells, which has affected thousands of families across several districts, damaging homes, agricultural land and public infrastructure.
The state government has been undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures in coordination with district administrations, while rescue operations and distribution of essential supplies continue in the affected areas.
The latest package is expected to provide immediate financial support to flood-hit households as the government intensifies rehabilitation efforts across the state.
–IANS
tdr/rad
