Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi is calling out the central government over a massive funding gap for Assam flood relief. Between 2019 and 2024, the state requested Rs 8,393.98 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund. It received only Rs 205.31 crore. That is just 2.4 percent of the total amount sought.
Gogoi points to the Comptroller and Auditor General to explain the snag. As of March 31, 2025, Assam sat on Rs 1,112 crore in unspent State Disaster Response Fund money. Another Rs 342 crore remained idle in the State Disaster Mitigation Fund. Federal policy dictates that states must utilize existing balances before getting fresh cash. "Assam has failed on this front," Gogoi said.
The 15th Finance Commission set aside Rs 1,000 crore to relocate families displaced by erosion. Assam submitted a Rs 526 crore plan in February 2025. The National Disaster Management Authority sent it back for revisions. Officials have not clarified if the state fixed the plan or when the money might arrive.
Gogoi visited flood-hit spots in the Mariani constituency to see the damage firsthand. He inspected a breached embankment in Dhontula that flooded local homes. He also checked on residents in Hahsora Chetia Gaon and Panigaon to distribute relief. People are suffering. The MP warned that delays leave families to rebuild their lives without help.
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