Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary said that the Central Government has released more than Rs 1,300 crore to Sikkim over the last 5 years
Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, D.T. Lepcha has sought clarification on the extent of Central assistance to the small Himalayan state frequently exposed to floods, landslides and river-related vulnerabilities, under major water-related schemes.
In the Rajya Sabha, he also asked whether the government would consider a separate policy or special category support for small, disaster-prone Himalayan states to ensure the timely and sustainable execution of critical water infrastructure projects.
Responding to the query, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary said that the Central Government has released more than Rs 1,300 crore to Sikkim over the last 5 years under various water-related schemes aimed at improving drinking water access, river conservation, and flood management.
He said that Rs 1,054.37 crore was released to Sikkim under the Jal Jeevan Mission between 2020–21 and 2024–25 to provide tap water connections to all rural households.
Rs 202 crore was provided under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) for sewage treatment and river pollution abatement.
Rs 91.84 crore was allocated under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) for flood control, anti-erosion measures, and drainage works.
Choudhary stated that the Centre provides both financial and technical assistance to all states, including small Himalayan states like Sikkim, through centrally sponsored schemes such as PMKSY, NRCP, FMBAP and the National Water Mission. These programmes, he said, are periodically reviewed and updated as required.
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