Kathmandu, September 3
The government has declared September 8 (Bhadra 23, 2083) a nationwide public holiday to commemorate the martyrs of the Gen Z movement.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday. Government spokesperson Sasmita Pokhrel made the Cabinet’s seven major decisions public later in the day.
The government has also decided to observe a national day of mourning on September 7 (Bhadra 22) in honour of those who died in the devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on August 26. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices across Nepal and at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad on the day.
Among other decisions, the Cabinet agreed to accept a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank for life-saving operations, emergency rescue and relief for people affected by the Bhote Koshi flood.
The government also decided to provide relief, tax and customs concessions and other facilities under an integrated business rehabilitation plan to help individuals, industries, businesses and enterprises affected by the flood resume operations.
The Cabinet approved the import of 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar through Salt Trading Corporation Limited and Food Management and Trading Company Limited at a one per cent customs duty.
Security personnel and civil servants deployed for search and rescue following the Rasuwa flood will receive risk allowances and meal expenses. Those injured during the operation will receive free medical treatment, while the families of personnel who die will receive Rs 1 million in relief per deceased person.
The Cabinet also decided to promote Narayan Prasad Bhatt to the post of secretary under the Nepal Administration Service and appoint him as chief secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Koshi Province.
