Guwahati, 31 July (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced a series of major relief measures for flood-affected people following a Cabinet meeting, including insurance support for damaged vehicles, loan repayment relief, and compensation for all eligible victims.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the state government will hold a meeting with insurance companies on August 5 to work out a mechanism for providing insurance benefits to vehicles damaged in the recent floods.

He also announced that the government will meet Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) on August 5 to discuss loan repayment relief for flood-hit borrowers. Private financial institutions will also be requested to extend relief measures.

In a significant decision, beneficiaries of the Orunodoi scheme in four upper Assam districts will be allowed to obtain bank loans without mortgaging assets. The interest on such loans will be deducted from their monthly Orunodoi assistance.

The Chief Minister said repair work on damaged roads and embankments will begin from September 1 after completion of field surveys.

He further informed that schools in the flood-affected areas are planned to reopen from August 9, subject to local conditions.

The government will begin a comprehensive flood damage assessment from August 7 and the survey is expected to be completed within 15 days. Sarma assured that compensation would be provided to all eligible flood victims based on the assessment.

The Chief Minister also said he would personally visit the flood-affected districts of upper Assam to review the extent of the damage.

Expressing confidence in the Centre's support, Sarma said, The Prime Minister will never let Assam suffer in times of crisis. We have received complete support from him, and it is with his encouragement that I have made these announcements.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash