Manmohan Singh announces Rs1,000 crore assistance for Sikkim

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today made an aerial survey of quake-ravaged areas of Sikkim and announced Rs1,000 crore as Central assistance to the state.

He also met victims of the 6.8-magnitude quake admitted to the STNM Hospital. Around 200 persons are receiving treatment at the hospital

Singh, who surveyed the worst-affected areas like Lachung, Lachen, Chungthang and Dzongu, said, "I have announced a sum of Rs1000 crore from the central government towards relief in the aftermath of the tragedy".

He said the Centre will ensure that every possible assistance is given to the people of Sikkim to reconstruct and rebuild their lives.

The state administration is scheduled to present a power-point presentation to the Prime Minister on the widespread damages and devastation caused by the temblor.

He is also scheduled to discuss relief for the affected at a high-level meeting here.

Over 90 people were killed in the September 18 quake.