GUWAHATI: The Assam government is planning to make proficiency in swimming mandatory for Class I officers and employees. The proposal was discussed in the 51st State Executive Meeting, which was chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota on Wednesday, October 2. The policy would spur disaster risk reduction efforts in the state of Assam, which is frequently ravaged by annual floods.
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According to media reports, incentives are being offered to develop swimming skills, and it has been proposed that the awards of regular increments and promotions be made to officials who show proficiency in swimming by submitting their proficiency certificates. A committee is working on taking into account the completion of swimming training with the award of regular increments and promotions.
The proposal would target Class I officers with reimbursement of training cost up to Rs 10,000 that would help them acquire this fundamental life skill. Significantly, the policy will also cover state officials in other parts of the country so that there is standardization and periodic revalidating of certifications.
It is documented that Assam is extremely vulnerable to floods as more than 40 percent of its land area is susceptible to flood damage. The Brahmaputra Valley alone constitutes a major flood-prone area measuring about 3.2 million hectares. According to the Flood Hazard Atlas of Assam prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre, about 28.75 percent of the state's land, which is roughly 22.54 lakh hectares, experienced flood in the period 1998 to 2015.
During this monsoon season alone, floods have devastated 153 revenue circles spread across 35 districts. It has already claimed 108 lives, including 10 by the landslide. Such shocks underscore the urgent need to train officials in practical skills like swimming to enhance safety during disasters and ensure adequate protection for officials as well as the public.