Himanta Biswa Sarma Announces 'Helpline Number' for Assamese Citizens Stranded in other States

Guwahati, May 2, 2020:

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today flagged off a helpline number -- 7428159966 -- meant to facilitate the return of Assam citizens stranded in other states in the nation amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"From today onwards, you can give missed calls. Within 48 hours, you will receive a link wherein you must give details of where you are coming from and where you wish to go", informed Sarma, while addressing the press here earlier today.

Sarma said that the state administration will have to map the requirement of trains and availability from train from different states, which may take some time. "However those willing to come in their own arrangement they can and accordingly they facilitated by the government by providing passes", he said.

At the same time, Sarma also informed about the launching of a website -- assamtransportrelief@gmail.com -- which will address their concerns.

At the same time, Sarma also exhorted the people staying in red zone areas to stay put. "Those who can postpone their home coming they must postpone and we will keep on providing sustenance allowance of Rs 2000 every month till situation normalizes.If these people don’t rush this will reduce pressure on the health facility here", he said.

Sarma said state government will tie up with hotels for those not willing to stay in government run quarantine facility, they can avail a paid stay at hotels after their return.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also informed that random test results in Dhubri district have come out negative. "So, we can say there is no spread of COVID-19 in the community in the district, and we are doing test in Bongaigaon", he added.

Meanwhile, the Himanta Biswa Sarma has pegged the number of Assamese people stranded elsewhere at 20 lakh. Sarma said that 6 lakh 12 thousand people had filled up forms to apply for financial relief of Rs 2,000. There are many who did not apply for that relief amount as many in other states are students or self-dependent people. Sarma says that there is reason to believe that such people number around 2 lakh.

There 8 lakh people more who also have their families with them, Sarma said. In all, he said, there are around 20 lakh Assamese citizens who could potentially be eyeing a return back home.

“Thus, it is impossible to bring them back. Besides, after the industries are reopened, they might not all decide to come back either”, Sarma said.

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