NSJF hands over cash to quake-hit members

Kathmandu, July 9

Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) today handed over cash incentives to its 14 members who were affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the country on April 25.

NSJF President Ajay Phuyal and senior Vice-president of Banke Coordination Committee TS Thakuri handed over a total amount of Rs 680,000 to the victims. International Sports Press Association (AIPS) had provided the NSJF with $20,000 for the victims of the earthquake that claimed the life of NSJF Member Suman Bhomjan and damaged houses of several members.

As per the proposal approved by the AIPS, NSJF handed over $5,000 to the family members of Bhomjan and donated $5,000 in the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.

According to the NSJF, it divided the victims into two categories and distributed the amount accordingly. The six journalists — Ajay Phuyal, Dhurba Tuladhar,  Govinda Regmi, Sonika Aryal, Ranjan Adhikari and Dinanath Baral — whose houses were totally damaged received Rs 60,000 each, while eight others — Niranjan Rajbanshi, Mahesh Acharya, Sanjeeb Shilpakar, Pawan Acharya, Bikram Thapa, Anjan Khadka, Muna Karki and Pradip Paudel — with partial damages received Rs 40,000 apiece. NSJF said the remaining Rs 300,000 would be deposited into Welfare Fund.

President Phuyal said that NSJF wanted to support the family of its members. “We lost young and energetic journalist Suman Bhomjan in the earthquake and that cannot be repaired by any means. The amount we distributed today is just to show the solidarity and to tell the families of the NSJF members that we are with them in this moment of pain,” Phuyal said. “We would like to thank the AIPS for the support,” he added.