Guwahati, July 31: The Assam government on Friday decided to approach insurance companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for expeditious disposal of claims and providing a moratorium to their customers from the four districts which have been badly affected by the floods this year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Assessment of damage to houses, livestock, etc., is expected to be completed shortly, and the government will try to ensure that funds for repair are disbursed at the earliest, he added.
The announcement came a day after the CM said that he chaired a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), in which it was decided that a six-month moratorium would be offered to all flood-affected people in four districts for repaying loans.
At least 80 people have died and more than 2 lakh people have been affected in the deluge in the state so far. Four districts — Sivasagar, Chariadeo, Jorhat and Golaghat — have been impacted the most.
Addressing the media after chairing a Cabinet meeting here, Sarma said, “We discussed at length on how to provide more relief to the people at this crucial time.”
He said it was decided to convene a meeting with both private and government insurance companies on August 5 to urge them to expeditiously settle claims against insured damaged vehicles, livestock, etc.
“For the four districts of Sivasagar, Chariadeo, Jorhat and Golaghat, we will request them to collect the claims themselves and settle them at the earliest,” he added.
The CM further said the government will also meet the NBFCs on August 5 with the request to grant a moratorium and such benefits to borrowers from these four districts.
“Just as the banks have extended a six-month moratorium on loans or the term for loan repayment after our meeting with them yesterday, we will urge the NBFCs to provide similar benefits too,” he said.
Sarma said assessment of damages caused to houses is being done in the worst-hit districts and is expected to be completed within a day or two, so that disbursement of Rs 15,000 per family as interim relief can be done within August.
Assessment of affected students eligible for book purchase grants is also being undertaken, he added.
While distribution of free textbooks has already commenced, money from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the re-distribution of free school uniforms in the districts will be done on Saturday, Sarma added.
He said that the assessment of permanent damage to public infrastructure will start from August 7, and it will be carried out in a mission mode so that it is completed in 10 to 15 days, and funds for repair can be released by the month’s end.
“I will visit Sivasagar and Charaideo before the launch of the assessment,” Sarma added.
He further said that the Cabinet approved Rs 2 to 3 lakh for the repair and desiltation of schools in these two districts, and will ensure that classes can resume at the earliest.
“From September one, damage to roads, embankments, etc. will be assessed, which will require more funds for repair,” the chief minister added.
Responding to a section questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Assam during the floods, Sarma said, “These are questions to be debated. Yesterday, when the governor went to visit the affected areas, some were criticising that the officials had to get busy with him.”
He claimed that the state is in constant touch with the PM and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and they have extended support in all ways.
“The PM is helping us by giving bank moratorium, sending money, by empowering me to announce whatever is necessary…if the question is about his presence or his support, so far we are getting his full support,” Sarma said, adding: “We won’t be commenting further on the matter.”
On reports claiming that activities in Nagaland led to the flood fury in downstream Assam districts, Sarma said, “At this stage, I cannot comment. Nagaland is also under floods, and they are also suffering. These things can be discussed when the present situation is over.”(PTI)
