Thousands of flood-affected families across Assam are still waiting for the first instalment of the state government’s relief assistance after technical issues linked to incorrect bank account details disrupted Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said more than 18,000 beneficiaries have not yet received the promised financial support.
The Chief Minister made the announcement on Wednesday while reviewing the flood situation in Amguri of Sivasagar district. He said district administrations have already been instructed to identify and correct faulty bank information so that pending payments can be credited without further delay.
According to Sarma, many of the discrepancies arose because flood victims lost important banking documents during the disaster, resulting in incorrect account numbers and other details being submitted for verification. He assured that the government would ensure every eligible family receives the assistance, even if electronic transfers are not possible.
“If funds cannot be credited through bank accounts, beneficiaries will be provided with cheques or bank drafts,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the media.
Earlier this week, the Assam government launched the first phase of its flood rehabilitation package by transferring ₹15,000 to each eligible household to help repair homes damaged by the floods. Under the initial phase, 62,696 families in the worst-affected districts received the financial assistance through the DBT system.
Government Considers Relocation for Flood-Prone Villages
During his visit to Amguri, Sarma also met local residents who appealed for permanent relocation from areas that experience repeated flooding every year. Responding to their concerns, he said the government would examine the proposal and make suitable arrangements for shifting affected families to safer locations.
He added that financial support would also be extended to help rebuild houses once relocation plans are finalised.
Schools to Reopen, Alternative Arrangements Planned
The Chief Minister reiterated that schools across Assam are expected to reopen from August 10, although he acknowledged that several educational institutions remain badly damaged and may not be able to resume classes immediately.
To avoid prolonged disruption to students’ education, district administrations have been directed to make alternative arrangements wherever required until affected schools become functional again.
Free Replacement of Textbooks and Academic Documents
Sarma also announced relief measures for students who lost textbooks, certificates, and other educational documents during the floods. The state government will facilitate the reissue of damaged or lost certificates free of cost once the situation stabilises.
In addition, financial assistance for purchasing textbooks is scheduled to be released on Thursday. Universities have already begun issuing notifications regarding the replacement of academic records.
Earlier in the day, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu instructed the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation to immediately begin printing and distributing replacement textbooks to students affected by the floods.
In districts that suffered extensive damage, including Sivasagar and Charaideo, the government has decided to replace textbooks for students across the entire districts to ensure learning resumes smoothly when schools reopen.
