KATHMANDU: The Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund has collected over Rs 14.03 billion in cash. Contributions from domestic and international organizations, as well as individuals, surged following the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on Aug. 26. Government data shows that more than Rs 12 billion was raised in the 20 days following the disaster.
According to the Ministry of Finance, 52 institutional contributors alone have provided Rs 2.97 billion. Notable contributions include Rs 150 million from Surya Nepal, a joint contribution of Rs 150 million from Chaudhary Foundation and Nabil Bank, and Rs 150 million from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) contributed Rs 130 million, while Gorkha Brewery and IME Group each donated Rs 100 million. Numerous other private firms and banks continue to contribute.
Regarding the utilization of these funds, the Prime Minister has held discussions with local representatives from the affected areas, urging them to submit clear plans for relief and reconstruction. Despite the significant collection, the government has only released Rs 1 billion for relief efforts through the Disaster Management Fund. A comprehensive plan for the remaining funds has yet to be finalized.
Under the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund Operation Regulations, 2063, an eight-member committee led by the Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission oversees the management and disbursement of the funds. Amid concerns regarding the pace of relief and reconstruction, the main opposition party, CPN-UML, has demanded the formation of a high-level parliamentary committee to monitor the process.
