KATHMANDU, MAY 28 - Stating that the Rs 15,000 cash relief announced by the government is not enough to buy materials needed for constructing temporary shelters, the Special Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday asked the government to provide additional Rs 35,000 for each earthquake-hit family.
The committee made such decision based on suggestions of 14 sub-committees deployed in the quake-affected districts to monitor rescue, relief and recovery tasks being undertaken by the government agencies.
The sub-committees have suggested that at least Rs 50,000 is necessary to build strong temporary shelters before the monsoon. The government has already sent the budget to distribute cash package among quake victims through district administration offices.
The government had earlier decided to provide Rs 15,000 to construct temporary shelters and Rs 200,000 for homeless people to build permanent houses. The Special Committee however said that the government could deduct Rs 35,000 from the Rs 200,000 that would be given to the victims. “The committee has made the decision on the basis of lawmakers’ field observations. The additional amount should be provided before the monsoon begins,” said Speaker Subas Nembang, who is also the chairman of the panel. During the Special Committee meeting on Tuesday, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat had stated that government cannot provide more than Rs 15,000 for building temporary shelters.
Sources said Mahat has expressed dissatisfaction on the Special Committee’s decision to recommend the government to provide additional amount to victims.
“The Committee will continuously press the government to implement the decision,” Nembang said, after some lawmakers expressed doubt over implementation of committee’s directives. Lawmakers said distributing the cash package to victims will be very difficult as local bodies lack sufficient staffers.
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, who was present at Wednesday’s meeting for the first time, said that the government has already directed Chief District Officers (CDOs) to recruit manpower on temporary basis and send them in those areas where VDC Secretary are absent. PM Koirala said the government will leave no stone unturned to build temporary houses before the monsoon begins.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.