Guwahati, 28 July (HS): In a united show of solidarity with flood-affected people, all members of the Assam Legislative Assembly have pledged to donate one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Announcing the initiative after the Question Hour during the Budget Session on Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das said the devastating floods, particularly in the three worst-hit districts of Upper Assam, had caused widespread destruction. He said both he and Deputy Speaker Dr. Habbe Teron had decided to contribute their one month's salary for flood relief.

The Speaker also informed the House that employees of the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat would donate one day's salary to assist flood victims. He appealed to everyone to stand together and extend support to those affected by the disaster.

The announcement received unanimous support from legislators across party lines. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika said all BJP MLAs would donate one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. He also stated that the Assam BJP headquarters had dispatched 1.70 lakh Mekhela Chadors and 1.50 lakh mosquito nets for women in flood-hit areas.

Leaders of other political parties also joined the initiative. TMC MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed announced that he would donate one month's salary, while Leader of the Opposition Wajed Ali Choudhury said all Congress MLAs would do the same. MLAs of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) also pledged one month's salary each for flood relief.

AIUDF MLA Abdul Rahim Ahmed said the party's legislators would donate one month's salary and contribute an additional ₹2 lakh from the party. He added that AIUDF president Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has been camping in flood-affected areas for several days to oversee relief efforts and had earlier announced a ₹2 crore contribution for flood victims.

This year's floods have severely impacted the Upper Assam districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat, causing extensive damage to agriculture, livestock, roads, bridges and residential properties. Official figures indicate that 68 people have lost their lives in the floods so far.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash