Highest-ever rehabilitation grants in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government will script history on August 20 by extending over Rs 119 crore rehabilitation grants (RG) to families against their houses damaged by floods – fully or partially.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will launch the distribution of rehabilitation grants centrally in Guwahati on August 20, when 15 other ministers will distribute in other districts. The beneficiaries will get the amount on the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode.

The State Government never extended rehabilitation grants so big as this earlier despite provisions in the SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund). Only a few families would get rehabilitation grants earlier, that too, after two to three years.

According to an official notification, ministers Parimal Suklabaidya will distribute rehabilitation grants in the Hailakandi district, Bimal Borah in Karimganj, Jayanta Mallabaruah in Cachar, Keshab Mahanta in Hojai, Atul Bora in Nagaon, UG Brahma in Udalguri, Chandra Mohan Patowary in Kamrup, Sanjay Kishan in Tamulpur, Nandita Gorlosa in Nalbari, Jogen Mohan in Baksa, Ranjeet Kumar Dass in Bongaigaon, Dr Ranoj Pegu in Barpeta, Pijush Hazarika in Morigaon, Anajta Neog in Sonitpur and Ashok Singal in Dhubri.

Talking to The Sentinel, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan said, "We have paid Rs 72 crore as gratuitous relief (GR) to flood-affected families for utensils and clothes. That is also the highest-ever GR paid in the state. On August 20, we will distribute rehabilitation grants (RG) of over Rs 119 crore to flood-affected families as compensation for their damaged houses under the provisions of the SDRF. The Chief Minister wants the government to stand by the side of the affected people during and after floods."

According to government statistics, floods damaged the highest number of 81,000 houses in the Cachar district this year.

The Rs 119-crore rehabilitation grants will benefit over 2.04 lakh people in the state.

Also Read:   REHABILITATION GRANTS: SOP sent to DC; damage assessment by July 10

Also Watch: