Assam govt starts direct cash transfer for 75,000 flood-affected families across four districts

Guwahati: The Government of Assam has initiated the first tranche of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for nearly 75,000 eligible flood-affected families across four districts.

An amount of Rs 15,000 per family, involving a total outlay of approximately Rs 112 crore, is being extended to support immediate post-disaster recovery needs.

The death toll in the devastating Upper Assam floods climbed to 86 after four more people died in Sivasagar on Monday. The overall flood situation continued to improve, with the number of affected people declining to 1.36 lakh.


Also Read: Assam flood situation improves as number of affected dips to 1.78L, CM to tour worst-hit districts

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota stated that the recent floods have caused immense hardship to thousands of families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts. "Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, household belongings and sources of sustenance. Throughout this challenging period, our foremost priority has been to ensure that every possible rescue, relief and recovery measure reaches those in need."

He added, “Under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we have worked to ensure that no affected family is left without support. Based on assessments carried out by the respective district administrations, the Government of Assam has initiated the first tranche of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for nearly 75,000 eligible flood-affected families across the four districts. An amount of Rs 15,000 per family, involving a total outlay of approximately Rs 112 crore, is being extended to support immediate post-disaster recovery needs. The package includes Rs 2,500 for clothing, Rs 2,500 for utensils, Rs 3,000 as gratuitous relief for livelihood support under the SDRF and an additional Rs 7,000 provided by the State Government. The transfer process commenced on Monday and will continue until August 5.”

He added that, in addition, the government has approved a series of support measures, including financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per affected family in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts, which will be released from August 10, 2026. Electricity charges for up to 300 units consumed during July 2026 will be waived for domestic and lifeline consumers in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. Payment of land revenue (khazana) will be exempted for residents of Sivasagar and Charaideo districts for a period of one year.

Also Read: Assam floods: Locals rescue over 1,000 people after floodwaters submerge Sivasagar villages

Eligible households in the flood-affected districts will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh, in accordance with SDRF norms, for the restoration of damaged houses. Each eligible household will receive financial assistance for the loss of livestock, covering up to three large milch animals, such as cows, at Rs 37,500 per animal; up to 30 small animals, including goats and pigs, at Rs 4,000 per animal; and up to 100 poultry birds at Rs 100 per bird.

He said eligible households in the flood-affected districts will receive Rs 10,000 for the installation of hand tube wells. Each affected household will receive financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for damaged looms and Rs 5,000 for damaged finished handloom products. The State Government is also taking urgent steps to provide financial assistance for crop damage and other livelihood losses in accordance with prescribed norms, and damage assessment work for this purpose is being initiated.

Financial assistance ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh will be provided for the restoration of flood-damaged Anganwadi centres and the replacement of play materials for children. Financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to flood-affected schools. Financial assistance will also be provided to all flood-damaged Namghars (Vaishnavite monasteries) in the affected districts.

The state government stated that insurance claims will be settled on an expedited basis with minimum documentation requirements. A dedicated nodal officer from the insurance company will be assigned to each flood-affected district to facilitate coordination and grievance redressal.

The Health and Family Welfare Department will organise mega health camps with specialised medical officers in every Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) of the affected districts. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department will similarly organise animal health camps at selected locations across the affected districts.

The state government stated, “Ex gratia assistance amounting to Rs 9 lakh per deceased person, comprising Rs 4 lakh from the SDRF and an additional Rs 5 lakh from the State Government, is also being extended to the next of kin. Further, Rs 5.64 crore has already been released for debris clearance from roads, public places, homes, schools and other affected locations. While natural disasters test our resilience, they also remind us of the power of unity, compassion and collective action.”