Akhil Gogoi, the chief of Raijor Dal and MLA from Sivasagar, has ended his 14-day sit-in at the Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday. This decision came after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured him that the government would address the demands related to flood relief and rehabilitation in Upper Assam. Gogoi initiated the indefinite protest on October 2, advocating for the release of Rs 15,000 in interim assistance for flood-affected families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat.

His demands also included additional financial aid for these families and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the floods. Gogoi expressed his desire to give the government a chance to act on the assurances made by the Chief Minister, stating that it would be inappropriate to continue the protest without allowing the government time to respond.

He remarked, “If the Chief Minister is making these assurances, it would be improper for me to continue the satyagraha without giving the government an opportunity to act. I do not need credit for this. I told the government to do the work, and I would give it the credit.” This statement reflects his willingness to cooperate with the government while still advocating for the needs of his constituents.

Details of Financial Assistance and Compensation

Akhil Gogoi’s primary demand was the disbursement of Rs 15,000 to each eligible flood-affected family. He alleged that numerous families had not received this assistance despite the government’s announced deadline. Gogoi also sought an additional Rs 10,000 for families in Sivasagar and Charaideo, alongside compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each affected family across the four districts.

During the protest, Gogoi indicated that approximately 4,000 families in his constituency had received the Rs 15,000 assistance, while payments had been approved for an additional 3,064 families. He estimated that the total additional payments would amount to around Rs 4.60 crore, highlighting the financial burden on affected families.

The demand for a CBI investigation into the floods remains contentious. Gogoi has called for an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the floods and the alleged lapses that exacerbated the situation. In response, the government has proposed the formation of an expert committee, an alternative that Gogoi has reluctantly accepted.

Government’s Response and Future Steps

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta engaged in discussions with Gogoi regarding the relief demands, including telephone conversations to address the MLA’s concerns. The government is currently evaluating the issues raised by Gogoi, demonstrating a willingness to engage in dialogue over the flood relief efforts.

Another significant concern raised by Gogoi pertains to the beneficiary survey, specifically whether it has accurately identified all families entitled to assistance. He has questioned the process of compiling the list, cautioning that families who have suffered losses may be overlooked. The government has conducted three rounds of surveys, covering approximately 57,000 flood-affected families in Upper Assam.

The estimated compensation requirement for the flood-affected areas stands at around Rs 1,100 crore. The state government has indicated that it will submit a proposal to the Centre and may consider releasing assistance in phases if there are delays in receiving central funds. The floods have caused extensive damage to homes, agricultural land, roads, embankments, and other infrastructure across the impacted districts, leaving many families awaiting rehabilitation support.

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