Khotang, April 24

Victims of last year’s devastating earthquake have yet to receive the government-pledged relief for the reconstruction of their houses in Khotang.

Speaking at a programme jointly organised by the District Disaster Rescue Committee and Red Cross at Khotang DDC, the local leaders said most of the victims were yet to receive relief for reconstruction as the allocated amount was returned to the home ministry.

CPN UML Khotang district vice-chairman Ram Dangal said the relief fund was returned after the government decided to distribute it only after the houses destroyed by the quakes were demolished.

He added that even those who have demolished their damaged houses were deprived of relief.

UCPN-Maoist Secretary Durga Jayanti Rai said many quake victims were living under makeshift tents and yet to receive identity cards. Rai held that political parties, administration, DDC and VDC’s negligence ad left quake victims in the lurch.

Meanwhile, Peace Committee coordinator Shyam Raj Rai said some quake victims had started building their houses on their own due to delay in relief distribution.

Of the total Rs 31.5 million allocated to the district as relief for the quake victims, Rs 4.3 million was returned to the home ministry.