Kathmandu, June 26
National Reconstruction Authority said on Sunday it is not possible to provide to each earthquake-affected family a lump sum of Rs 2 lakh, despite a demand for the same from the main opposition Nepali Congress.
NRA’s chief executive officer Sushil Gyawali said this while briefing the parliamentary State Affairs Committee about progress in post-quake reconstruction work.
Earlier, there was a plan to provide two lakh rupees each to quake-hit families in four installments, Gyawali said, adding: Now, we will be providing the sum in three installments. He said priority will now be on reaching grant agreements with affected people and providing money to them through banks.
When lawmakers expressed concern about delays in construction of houses for quake-displaced people, Gyawali said: Building quake-resistant houses is the most important thing. Who will take the blame in the event of losses arising from the failure to build strong houses?
Gyawali said reconstruction authority is working to provide grant to all quake victims in a systematic manner.
Lawmakers Navindra Raj Joshi, Bhim Acharya and Ram Krishna Yadav said there should be no politics in the name of reconstruction.
Meanwhile, the committee has directed the authority to open its offices in 14 most affected districts. And it has directed the Ministry of General Administration to provide human resources that the authority requires.
