The Assam government will make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for beneficiaries receiving financial assistance under its flood resettlement programme after discrepancies were detected in bank account details collected during damage assessment surveys. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta said the government had temporarily halted assistance payments after discrepancies, including possible duplicate or incorrect bank account details, were detected during door-to-door surveys.
To prevent duplication and ensure that assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries, Aadhaar authentication will now be integrated into the payment process. Data submitted by village heads will also be verified before beneficiary lists are forwarded for approval and funds are released.
The minister warned that strict legal action would be taken against village heads or local functionaries found manipulating beneficiary lists or misusing flood relief.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has begun assessing flood-affected farmland to determine whether areas impacted by soil erosion or sediment deposition remain suitable for cultivation.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with ministers Keshab Mahanta, Pijush Hazarika, Atul Bora, Bimal Bora, Sushanta Borgohain and Rameswar Teli, attended the training programme. District Commissioners of the four affected districts, Revenue Circle Officers and other officials were also present.