Guwahati, July 31: As Assam continues to battle severe flood conditions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a relief package for families affected in some of the worst-hit districts of the state.
The package includes a six-month loan moratorium, collateral-free loans, extended repayment periods, and financial assistance for damaged Namghars.
Relief for Four Worst-Hit Districts
The benefits will cover flood-affected families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, and Jorhat — the four districts that have suffered major damage due to the floods.
According to the government, the floods have affected over 2.12 lakh people across eight districts, covering 21 revenue circles and 437 villages.
Key Announcements by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Six-Month Loan Moratorium
The government announced that loan repayments will be suspended for six months, with repayment periods extended for different categories of borrowers:
- Housing, education and vehicle loans: Six-month moratorium, with tenure extendable by up to one year
- Crop loans and SHG loans: Six-month moratorium, with repayment period extended from one year to two years
- Fisheries, poultry, piggery and dairy loans: Six-month repayment holiday, with tenure extended from one year to two years
- MSME loans: Six-month moratorium, with repayment period extended from three years to seven years
₹10,000 Collateral-Free Loan for Immediate Needs
Existing borrowers in the four affected districts will receive a ₹10,000 collateral-free consumption loan to help families manage urgent expenses during the flood crisis.
Financial Aid for Damaged Namghars
The government has also announced ₹1.5 lakh assistance for repairing damaged Namghars in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts.
Damage Assessment From August 7
The Chief Minister said a detailed assessment of flood-related losses will begin from August 7 to ensure affected families receive additional support beyond the ₹15,000 interim relief already being provided.
The government is also in discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding loans from Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Further assistance for MMUA beneficiaries will be announced soon, the CM said.
Assam Flood Situation Update
According to DRIMS data:
- 2,12,441 people affected across the state
- 17,198.09 hectares of agricultural land damaged
- Two flood-related deaths reported from Nazira in Sivasagar, taking the seasonal death toll to 80
- 62 relief camps and 50 distribution centres operational
- 13,294 people sheltered in relief camps, while 62,289 people received assistance outside camps
- 94 medical teams and 26 boats deployed for rescue and relief operations
- Damage reported to 27 roads, two bridges, eight embankments, along with houses, schools, drinking water schemes, fisheries, and livestock
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said relief operations, rehabilitation measures, and damage assessments will continue until affected areas return to normalcy.