Staff Reporter
Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today warned people against collecting money on the roadside or from shops to provide flood relief to the flood-affected people in the Upper Assam districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat. The CM stated that those intending to provide flood relief should do so with their own money. Additionally, he said that the government is currently taking the necessary actions.
Speaking on the subject today, the CM said, "We've seen people collecting money on the roadside in the name of providing flood relief. They are collecting donations using boxes. We should not collect money from others to provide relief; we should contribute our own money. If you collect money from me and provide relief under your banner, it's not relief that I contributed. I have seen people with tin boxes and scanners collecting money. Using such money to provide relief is not flood relief. I have instructed the police to ensure that no money is collected forcibly from the general people or shopkeepers in the name of flood relief. Now the situation is under the control of the government. Now the government can go to all places. The first seven days were different; the government could not reach many places. We can go to all places now, and people can also approach the government directly. We are doing a final assessment and will start paying compensation from tomorrow. We welcome anyone willing to donate for flood relief. There is no meaning in collecting money from shop to shop. Such behaviour only brings disrepute to Assam. My only appeal is that we should give flood relief; it is good, but do so with your own money."
"There is no need to take any action. All such activities will stop automatically," the CM asserted when asked about the government taking action against those collecting money for flood relief.
He also highlighted the problem of some flood-affected people not getting relief, while others not affected by flood got relief. He said he had received several complaints on the issue. The CM said the system is not perfect and things will be better when people of Sivasagar and Charaideo themselves get involved in the process.
Also Read: Assam Floods: 30 Nagaon Villages Inundated, Over 4,500 People Affected