Exposed: Only Rs 197.83 Crore Released Out of Rs 2,350 Crore “PM Package” for NorthEast

RTI Inquiry Uncovers Government's Failure to Deliver on North-East's Flood Relief Commitments

By The CrossCurrent Last updated Apr 16, 2024

Guwahati, April 16, 2024: A recent RTI inquiry by The Crosscurrent has revealed a concerning shortfall in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flood relief package for the Northeast. Despite a promised amount of Rs 2,350 crore, only Rs 197.83 crore has been disbursed. This discrepancy has sparked doubts about the government’s commitment to assisting flood-affected areas like Assam.

Background: In 2017, after witnessing the devastating floods in Assam and other Northeastern states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and pledged a significant aid package of Rs 2,350 crore. His announcement, made after discussions with Chief Ministers and officials on august 1, 2017 at Guwahati , brought hope to the distressed residents who were in urgent need of assistance.

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Promised Allocation vs. Actual Disbursement:

The promised package, as detailed by then Finance Minister and current Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, was intended to include Rs 2,000 crore earmarked for flood relief and rehabilitation efforts, with an immediate allocation of Rs 250 crore specifically for Assam. Furthermore, Rs 100 crore was designated for the establishment of a high-powered committee to study the Brahmaputra river’s behavior.
However, the stark reality unveiled by The Crosscurrent’s RTI inquiry paints a vastly different picture. Only a fraction of the promised funds, amounting to a mere Rs 197.83 crore, has been disbursed to all North-Eastern states combined, leaving the region grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophic floods without adequate support.

Disbursed Funds Breakdown:
The disbursement occurred over two years following the announcement, in august and December 2019:
• Assam: Rs 101.52 crore
• Arunachal Pradesh: Rs 41.23 crore
• Manipur-26.73 crore
• Mizoram: Rs 14.83 crore
• Nagaland: Rs 13.52 crore
Notably, Assam, which was promised an immediate allocation of Rs 250 crore, has not received a single rupee from the pledged amount.

Bureaucratic Hurdles:

The journey to uncover this information through the RTI process was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles. The application, filed on June 16, 2023, underwent multiple transfers across various departments, including the PMO, the Department of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), and NITI Aayog. This bureaucratic red tape delayed the dissemination of crucial information until an appeal was filed, ultimately leading to the revelation of the harsh reality behind the promised flood relief package.