Assam CM launches DBT to give rehabilitation grant for flood-damaged houses

The Assam government on Saturday launched a direct benefit transfer (DBT) programme to extend rehabilitation grants to beneficiaries whose houses were damaged by this year's flood.

Under the initiative, the affected families will receive the grant to their bank accounts for reconstructing their houses.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ceremonially launched the programme at the state secretariat here, while ministers and senior officials attended similar programmes in districts during the day.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion, Sarma said, "A list of 2,04,348 houses, which were either severely or partially damaged in this year's flood, has been compiled. The rehabilitation grant to be paid to these families who have lost their homes will be transferred directly to their bank accounts."

He said Rs 119.11 crore has been sanctioned for the purpose.

Altogether 5,185 houses have been severely or fully damaged, while there are 34,924 partially damaged pucca houses and 1,53,