Guwahati, 3rd October: In a bid to enhance disaster preparedness in the flood-prone state, the Assam Government has proposed a new policy mandating swimming proficiency for Class I officers and employees. This initiative, discussed during the 51st State Executive Meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, aims to equip officials with essential skills to better respond to the challenges of recurring floods.
The policy has received the Chief Minister’s approval and includes provisions for reimbursing up to ₹10,000 for training costs, encouraging officers to pursue swimming proficiency. It will apply universally to all departments, even those in non-flood-prone areas, and may be extended to other government employees over time.
The initiative comes as Assam faces annual flooding, affecting more than 40 percent of its land and severely impacting lives and livelihoods. This year alone, 108 lives have been lost due to floods and landslides. To prepare government officials for fieldwork in these hazardous conditions, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has already begun training officers, with 53 officials in Kamrup Metro completing Phase I of the swimming proficiency program.
Officials noted that the policy reflects the state’s growing focus on disaster risk reduction and preparedness, a necessity given Assam’s vulnerability to severe floods exacerbated by climate change. The initiative also aligns with the state government’s broader effort to integrate life-saving skills into its administrative framework, making it a model for other flood-prone states to adopt.
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