Quake relief likely in two instalments

Kathmandu, June 28

Talks among top leaders of the ruling parties and the main opposition Nepali Congress party today failed to reach consensus although they said they were close to it and would find solution tomorrow morning, clearing the way for ending the House disruption by NC.

Both the sides said they had tentatively agreed on releasing the money for earthquake victims in two instalments of Rs 150,000 and Rs 50,000.

“Since there was an agreement with the World Bank to release quake relief in two or more instalments, we have tentatively agreed to release the amount meant for each victim family in two instalments of Rs 150,000 and Rs 50,000.

However, we are yet to reach an agreement due to reservation of one partner of the Oli-led coalition,” said NC leader Prakash Sharan Mahat, who is also a member of the task force formed to settle the issue.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (Democratic) Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar are positive on mooting a proposal, according to sources.

However, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa was rigid and stressed on releasing the relief amount in three instalments, added the sources.

“The consensus could not be forged, as Thapa was of the opinion that the PM should not make any commitment and the money should be provided in three installments,” said sources privy to the meeting of the ruling parties and the NC held at the Parliament building in New Baneshwor.

Ruling CPN-UML and CPN-MC are ready to probe into cases of outsourcing of tasks of the National Reconstruction Authority to NGOs and ensure that no victim is missed from being listed as demanded by the NC, sources said.

CPN-UML leader Subas Chandra Nembang said today’s talks inched towards consensus. “We are close to consensus as today’s talks ended on positive note. I hope we will forge consensus tomorrow morning before the House meeting,” Nembang said.

Stating that the government has failed to proceed with the task of reconstruction of earthquake- damaged houses, the NC has been obstructing the House business since Thursday.

The NC has been demanding to provide Rs 2 lakh to the victims’ families in a lump sum.

Meanwhile, Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar postponed the House meeting till 11:00am tomorrow, stating that the parties were close to consensus.

Today’s House was slated to meet at 3:30pm. Gharti postponed the meeting until 5:30pm, hoping that the parties would reach consensus by then.

The discussions on the Appropriation Bill and the task of bringing some bills by the government have been affected due to the House obstruction.