Sikkim Announces Housing Schemes for Flood Victims

Gangtok, Oct 16: Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang on Monday announced two housing schemes for those who lost their homes in the flash flood that ravaged the northern part of the Himalayan state. The state government will also provide Rs 10,000 each to students who lost their school materials and Rs 5,000 more if they live on rent far from home, Tamang said.

Rehabilitation Housing Scheme

Under the Rehabilitation Housing Scheme, the state government will allot land and build houses for the beneficiaries. However, if anyone owns a plot and wishes for a house to be built on it, the government will build it. The chief minister said 2011 houses will be built under the scheme and the state government is looking for suitable land for the implementation of the programme.

People who used to stay in rented accommodation which was washed away in the flood will be given Rs 5000 each for the next 3 months under the same scheme.

Janta Housing Colony Scheme

Tamang said that under the Janta Housing Colony scheme, the government will construct a Housing Colony for those who do not have their own homes. For the affected persons to live in the Janta Housing Colony, they will not have to pay any rent to the government for the next three years. Apart from monetary relief, the people whose houses have been washed away will be provided with kitchen appliances along with bathroom and bedroom essentials.

Other Relief Measures

The chief minister directed the officials to provide people with documents that were lost in the flood free of cost. Tamang said that he has directed the chief secretary, who is also the chairman of the State Level Bankers Committee, to give a 12-month extension and relaxation for the repayment of all loans.

He said those who lost their businesses because of the flood will be given loans up to Rs 10 Lakh which will be interest-free for 24 months. For any existing business loans, EMIs will be restructured at 0 per cent interest.

Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang has announced a slew of relief measures for those affected by the recent flash floods in the state. These include two housing schemes, financial assistance for students, and loans for businesses. The state government is also working to provide free documents to those who lost them in the floods. These measures will go a long way in helping the people of Sikkim rebuild their lives after this devastating disaster.