Rs 44 cr not enough: SDF leader on Centre’s help to flood-ravaged Sikkim

SDF leader Tshering Wangdi Lepcha said that people of Sikkim are now feeling neglected by the Centre

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has said that the amount of Rs 44.8 crore released by the Centre to the Sikkim government as aid aftermath the floods is not enough.

During a meeting with Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra, former minister and SDF leader Tshering Wangdi Lepcha said that the amount will not be of enough help to tide over the crisis.

Lepcha was seen in a video conversing with the union minister wherein he said, “We are proud to be Indian Sir, but now we are feeling neglected. Now, you (to Union MoS Home Ajay Kumar Mishra) are only moving by the road but when you go down stream from Lachen, Lachung, Chungthang, lots of houses have been washed away in Rangpo, Singtam and Golitar. Whatever you have seen is only by the roadside.
The 44.48 crore sent by the Government of India, this amount will be of no help.”

However, Union MoS for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra in his response said, “that fund is only for the SDRF who is working on the ground. We have given separate funds to the NDRF. But this amount is not for the entire state. The amount for the entire state will be much more.”

It may be mentioned that the Centre on October 6, approved the release of Rs 44.8 crore to Sikkim which has been adversely affected by flash floods.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the release of both the installments of Central Share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Sikkim, amounting to Rs 44.80 crore in advance, for the year 2023-24, to help the State in providing relief measures to the affected people.

An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), is already on a visit to the state to assess the damages caused due to the flash floods and suggest measures for short and long term restoration.

Read also: Sikkim floods: Centre constituted team reaches disaster hit state to assess situation

COMMENTS