CM Assam questions DC Keerthi Jalli on her decision to delegate responsibility to Zila Parishad; “Circle Officer to be the signatory,” Himanta Biswa Sarma 

Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with the deputy commissioners of the districts inundated by the flood water. While conversation with the DC Cachar, Keerthi Jalli, he questioned her decision to delegate relief distribution in non-camp sites to the Zila Parishad. This comes as a major ‘U’ turn from the Assam Cabinet.

It is worth mentioning here that the DC Cachar had issued an order which stated clearly that “as instructed by Guardian Minister of Cachar, Ashok Singhal, the relief operations to non-camp areas are being handed over to the Zila Parishad.”

In the meeting today, the chief minister said, “Keerthi, you can seek help from MLA, MP, Zila Parishad but the responsibility rests with the Circle Officer. Otherwise the accounts will mismatch.” He even referred to many SOPs that have been issued in the past. It was clear that the CM is very disappointed to learn the fact that the relief distribution has been delegated to the Zila Parishad.

In the meeting, the CM also asked the deputy commissioner to ensure proper survey of loss and damage as the compensation will completely depend on the survey done by the officials and not politicians.

Moreover, the CM warned the DC to stay cautious as a partially damaged house will get a compensation of Rs 5,200 while the victim of a severely damaged house will get Rs 95,200. “Remember the significance of the report. Please be lenient and if a house is damaged consider it as severely damaged,” asserted the CM.

Moreover, the families that are in relief camps are to be distributed Rs 3,800 each as soon as possible. The chief minister has asked the officers to ensure maximum support to the flood affected victims.