KATHMANDU: The Association of Private Educational Institutions of Nepal (APEIN), a network of 11 umbrella organisations of private academic institutions including PABSON, NPABSON, HISSAN, PUCAN and others, on Tuesday decided to hold talks with the agitating student unions either on Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the unions’ demand to waive the tuition fee of one month, during which the schools were closed due to the earthquake. Karna Bahadur Shahi, president, NPABSAN, said that Tuesday’s meeting decided to provide the students with scholarships and other facilities equivalent to 50 per cent of one month tuition fee. “We want to discuss this issue with student unions,” said Shahi, who is also chairperson of the steering committee of APEIN.

NA’s choppers arrive

KATHMANDU: Two newly procured Russia-built Mi-17V-5 helicopters have arrived in Kathmandu. The choppers were transported to the country in a Russian cargo-plane this morning. The helicopters were procured for a US$ 30 million. This is said to be the largest military purchase after the Maoists joined the mainstream politics in November 2006. The Directorate of Public Relations of the Nepali Army said on Tuesday that the procurement was made through the Joint Stock Company called Rosoboronexport of Russia. NA said the two brand new transport choppers would boost the Army’s Aviation Rotary Wing. The Baburam Bhattarai-led government had initiated the process of buying these two choppers for the national army in February 2013.

Relief distributed

KATHMANDU: The Lotus Club, affiliated to Lions Club International, on Tuesday distributed relief materials to students of Ichangu Narayan Secondary School at Swoyambhu. A relief package comprising mattress, mosquito nets, blankets and pillow cases, were provided to seven students of the school who have been studying under the scholarship provided by the club. The students had lost their houses in the April 25 earthquake. An investment of Rs 20,000 was made to arrange the relief materials. Rajendra Chapagain, member of the club, said the damaged school buildings will also be assessed and reconstructed.

Rs 120 million issued

BHAKTAPUR: The District Administration Office Bhaktapur on Tuesday distributed Rs 120 million to the quake victims to purchase corrugated zinc sheets in six municipalities of the district. The DAO distributed Rs 15,000 to each quake survivor family through the respective municipalities to buy zinc sheets. The DAO provided Rs 40 million to Bhaktapur municipality, Rs 5 million to Madhyapur Thimi municipality, Rs 15 million to Surya Binayak municipality, Rs 20 million each to Ananta Lingeswhor, Maha Manjushri and Changunarayan municipalities. The DAO had demanded Rs 280 million for the quake victims in Bhaktapur but the Home Ministry responded with only Rs 140 million, said Chief District Officer Anil Kumar Thakur.