Guwahati: Calling for long-term rehabilitation rather than relief alone, former Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special allocation from the PM CARES Fund to support families affected by the July 2026 floods in Upper Assam.
In a letter dated August 20, Saikia said the flood disaster had left many families facing the loss of not only their homes and belongings but also the assets and resources on which their livelihoods depended. The appeal covers flood-affected areas in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and adjoining regions, including parts of the erstwhile Nazira Legislative Assembly Constituency.
The letter was submitted as a follow-up to Saikia’s earlier representation seeking a Special Central Relief and Rehabilitation Package for those affected by the floods.
Livelihood Losses Need Special Attention
Saikia said conventional disaster relief may not be enough for families that have lost workshops, machinery, vehicles, livestock, agricultural assets, businesses and other income-generating resources.
The letter highlighted the situation of small business owners, artisans, mechanics, drivers, farmers, small tea growers, poultry rearers and other self-employed persons whose ability to earn a living has been affected by the disaster.
He argued that families whose houses were completely destroyed would also require adequate assistance to rebuild safe and permanent homes.
Saikia therefore requested that a special relief, rehabilitation and livelihood restoration package for Upper Assam be considered through the PM CARES Fund.
What the Proposed Package Includes
Among the measures proposed in the letter are enhanced financial assistance for families whose homes have been fully or substantially damaged, replacement of essential household articles and support for families that have lost earning members.
The proposal also includes livelihood restoration assistance for small traders, vendors, artisans, mechanics, drivers and other self-employed persons, along with support for losses involving livestock, poultry, agricultural implements, small tea plantations and other livelihood assets.
Saikia further sought assistance for the restoration of essential infrastructure in severely affected villages and special support for vulnerable groups, including elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and families with children.
Demand for Transparent Distribution
The former MLA also stressed that any financial assistance sanctioned for flood victims should be delivered through a transparent and time-bound system.
According to the letter, affected beneficiaries should be identified district-wise and village-wise, with appropriate public disclosure of beneficiary lists to ensure that assistance reaches genuinely affected families.
In his appeal, Saikia urged the PM CARES Fund’s Board of Trustees to consider an interim or special allocation at the earliest, stating that many families in the flood-hit areas were still attempting to rebuild their homes and restore their means of livelihood.
