Assam Cabinet announces major relief package for Upper Assam flood victims; survey to begin from August 7

The Assam Cabinet on Friday approved a series of relief and rehabilitation measures for flood-hit families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing financial assistance, infrastructure restoration and steps to ease the burden on affected residents.
Addressing a press conference after the weekly Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Sarma said the government had held an extensive discussion on the flood situation in Upper Assam and taken several key decisions.
The Chief Minister said a meeting with public and private insurance companies will be held on August 5 to ensure prompt settlement of insurance claims for flood-damaged two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
He added that the government would also meet Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) on the same day to discuss relief measures for borrowers, following the recent decision to grant a moratorium on bank loan repayments.
Sarma said the Rs 15,000 one-time financial assistance announced for affected families would be disbursed within the next two to three days.
A comprehensive damage assessment covering houses, agriculture and other losses will begin from August 7 through a joint survey by the Revenue and Disaster Management departments. The survey is expected to be completed within 15 days, and compensation is targeted to be released within August.
To minimise disruption to education, the Chief Minister announced that Rs 8 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund would be released to the Education Department for purchasing school uniforms.
Textbooks have already been dispatched to the affected districts, while an assessment of students’ losses is underway.
Schools damaged by floods—around 550 in Sivasagar alone—will receive financial assistance of Rs 2-3 lakh each for restoration. The government aims to reopen schools in flood-hit areas from August 9.
Cabinet ministers will conduct departmental assessments of damaged roads, bridges and embankments. Repair work is expected to begin from September 1, with special funding planned for rebuilding transport infrastructure in Sivasagar and Charaideo.
Flood-affected beneficiaries of the Arunodoi Scheme in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat will receive Rs 2,500 on Saturday.
The Cabinet approved the Assam Compressed Biogas Policy, 2026, paving the way for compressed biogas plants in Guwahati and Tinsukia.
It also amended the recruitment process for Veterinary Field Assistants (VFAs), making both written and oral examinations mandatory instead of interviews alone.
In another decision, the proposed Rakhasini and Tharkonlbari forests in Goalpara were formally notified as Reserved Forests.
Responding to questions on why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited the flood-hit districts, Sarma said a high-profile visit at this stage could divert officials from relief operations.
“If the Prime Minister visits Sivasagar and Charaideo, district administrations will remain occupied for three days with preparations. Will that help relief work or create difficulties?” he asked.
He said the Prime Minister has been in constant touch with the state government and has assured all possible assistance.
“We have received complete support from the Prime Minister. His guidance and encouragement have enabled us to take decisions on compensation and rehabilitation,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister also defended ministers and disaster response teams working in the affected districts, urging people to recognise the efforts of officials, SDRF and NDRF personnel instead of focusing on political narratives.