Assam Floods: Loan Moratorium, Free Textbooks Part of Relief Package
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a comprehensive relief package for residents affected by recent floods. The measures include food assistance, education support, loan relief, and financial aid for damaged institutions.
Addressing the state through a live social media broadcast, Sarma said the government's immediate priority is to assist families that have suffered losses and help them return to normal life. He stressed that no flood-affected family should be left without aid.
As part of the relief, each affected family will receive an essential supplies kit containing rice, pulses, edible oil, and other basic items. According to the Chief Minister, 2,37,513 kits have already been dispatched to Sivasagar district, and another 63,000 kits to neighbouring Charaideo.
Students whose education has been disrupted will receive free textbooks in Sivasagar and Charaideo. Those who lost academic documents such as mark sheets or certificates can obtain duplicate copies at no cost.
The government announced a one-time financial grant of Rs 1.5 lakh for each flood-damaged Namghar (prayer hall) in Sivasagar and Charaideo. Schools and colleges that sustained damage will receive funds for repair.
For borrowers, farmers, self-help groups, and those engaged in animal husbandry, fisheries, and other agriculture-related activities in flood-hit areas will get a six-month moratorium on government loans. The state is also exploring a similar relief for borrowers of private financial institutions, with discussions planned with the Reserve Bank of India.
Small business owners already repaying government loans will be eligible for an additional loan of Rs 10,000 without a fresh application or collateral.
From August 7, the state government will conduct a detailed survey across flood-affected areas to assess damage, which will guide compensation and rehabilitation measures.
The Chief Minister added that a separate relief package for women self-help group members who took loans of Rs 10,000 under the Udyamita Scheme will be announced soon.
