Guwahati, July 29: Akhil Gogoi, the MLA from Sivasagar and leader of the Raijor Dal, has called for a significant increase in financial assistance for families affected by the floods in Assam. He stated that the relief announced by the state government is inadequate given the extensive devastation caused by this year’s floods.
Speaking to the media in Sivasagar, Gogoi welcomed the state government’s decision to enhance benefits under the ‘Arunodoi’ scheme. However, he urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to expand the scheme to include every woman from flood-affected families.
Displaying images of damaged homes and submerged villages, Gogoi emphasized that the floods have severely impacted not only economically weaker sections but also a large number of middle-class families, resulting in substantial losses to their homes, property, and livelihoods.
Demanding greater intervention from the central government, the Raijor Dal leader urged the Chief Minister to present photographic evidence of the devastation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and request a comprehensive economic package for Assam.
He called for a one-time compensation of 1 million rupees for each affected family, arguing that the current relief is far too little compared to the actual losses incurred.
Claiming that approximately 40,000 families in the Sivasagar constituency alone have been affected, Gogoi requested a special package of 4 billion rupees for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the region.
Questioning the government’s announcement of 15,000 rupees in aid for severely affected families, he stated that this amount is insufficient for those who have lost their homes, farmland, livestock, and other properties.
Gogoi also criticized Chief Minister Sarma for failing to secure a special economic package for Assam during his recent visit to Delhi and meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He raised concerns about the state’s capacity to obtain assistance from the central government.
Describing this year’s floods as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Assam’s history, Gogoi alleged that the crisis has not received the national attention it deserves.
He appealed to all MPs from Assam to collectively raise this issue with the Prime Minister and urgently request financial aid.
Warning of escalating protests, Gogoi stated that if the government fails to provide adequate compensation, he would lead demonstrations by flood-affected individuals, including protests outside the Chief Minister’s residence.
He claimed that the floods have economically set back families in Sivasagar and Nazira by nearly two decades and warned that if the proposed 4 billion rupee package is not granted, the state government will be held accountable.
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