GUWAHATI, Aug 3: The Assam government has initiated the first tranche of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for nearly 75,000 eligible flood-affected families across the four districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat in Upper Assam.
“An amount of Rs 15,000 per family, involving a total outlay of approximately Rs 112 crore, is being extended to support immediate post-disaster recovery needs. The package includes Rs 2,500 for clothing, Rs 2,500 for utensils, Rs 3,000 as gratuitous relief for livelihood support under the SDRF and an additional Rs 7,000 provided by the state government. The transfer process commenced on Monday and will continue until August 5,” Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota informed on Monday.
The initiative has been taken based on assessments carried out by the administration of the respective districts.
“The recent floods have caused immense hardship to thousands of families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, household belongings and sources of sustenance. Throughout this challenging period, our foremost priority has been to ensure that every possible rescue, relief and recovery measure reaches those in need,” Kota said.
“Under the leadership and guidance of chief minister, we have worked to ensure that no affected family is left without support.
In addition, the government has approved a series of support measures, including an additional financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per affected family in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts, to be released from August 10, 2026.
Eligible households in the flood-affected districts will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh, in accordance with SDRF norms, for the restoration of the damaged houses.
Each eligible household will receive financial assistance for the loss of livestock, covering up to three large milch animals, such as cows, at Rs 37,500 per animal, up to 30 small animals, including goats and pigs, at Rs 4,000 per animal, and up to 100 poultry birds at Rs 100 per bird.
Eligible households in the flood-affected districts will receive Rs 10,000 for the installation of hand tube wells.
Each affected household will receive financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for damaged looms and Rs 5,000 for damaged finished handloom products.
“The state government is also taking urgent steps to provide financial assistance for crop damage and other livelihood losses in accordance with prescribed norms, and damage assessment work for this purpose is being initiated,” the chief secretary said.
Financial assistance ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh will be provided for the restoration of flood-damaged Anganwadi centres and the replacement of play materials for children.
“Insurance claims will be settled on an expedited basis with minimum documentation requirements. A dedicated nodal officer from the insurance company will be assigned to each flood-affected district to facilitate coordination and grievance redressal,” he said.
Round-the-clock helplines have been established in the affected districts to assist citizens in resolving insurance-related issues.
“While natural disasters test our resilience, they also remind us of the power of unity, compassion and collective action. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the district administrations, disaster response forces, volunteers, civil society organisations and all those who have worked tirelessly to support the affected communities throughout this crisis,” he said.