Assam CM calls on Union Finance Minister and seeks immediate release of fund

Guwahati, August 29 : Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday called on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in North Block at Central Secretariat in New Delhi and apprised him of the devastating floods that lashed the State and sought Centre’s assistance by the way of releasing funds quickly.

The meeting lasted for nearly 30 minutes during which Chief Minister Sonowal gave a detailed overview of the loss that the State has incurred in terms of lives, properties and agricultural crops.

Sonowal also said that the waves of floods dealt a severe blow to the State’s economy by breaching embankments, destroying agricultural lands and damaging lakhs of dwelling houses.

The Assam CM informed the Union Finance Minister that 44 people lost their lives in the floods.

Sonowal briefed him about the urgent need of central assistance and requested him to release fund to help the State Government’s bid in relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction measures for the flood affected people.

Meanwhile, the Assam CM also met Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan on Monday who informed the Chief Minister about his proposed visit to the State next week to assess the damages caused by the floods and erosion in the State.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)