Condemning Union Government's move to not recognise Assam's flood and erosion as national issue, All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Tuesday has stated that it as an injustice to the State.
AASU, in a statement alleged that the Union Government has always deceived Assam, be it Congress or BJP at power. Political parties use the assurance of recognising flood and erosion as a national problem as a bait to lure voters to bring them into power. However, after coming to power it is all the same again.
The issue was criticised state-wide following Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Social Justice and Empowerment Rattan Lala Kataria's reply to a question by Bodoland People's Front (BPF) MP Biswajit Daimary at the Rajya Sabha saying, "Assam flood cannot be considered as a national disaster".
"Under the various schemes of the State Disaster or National Disaster Response Fund, natural disasters like flood and others are not considered as national disasters," said the Minister.
However, the Jal Shakti minister did accept the fact that flood in Assam every year wreaks havoc, destroying properties worth in crores and bringing down loss in great numbers.
"However, to compensate for the flood damages funds can be provided from the State Disaster Relief Fund. Moreover, funds can also be released from the National Disaster Relief Fund once the flood situation is reviewed by a central review committee," added Rattan Lal.
