KATHMANDU: The government has decided to provide relief and concessions to people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood on August 26, provide risk allowances to security personnel and employees involved in rescue operations, and declare a public holiday on Gen-Z Martyrs’ Day.
The decisions were taken at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, which approved seven major measures.
The Cabinet decided to accept a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank for emergency rescue and relief and protection of the lives of people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.
Similarly, the government decided to provide relief, tax and customs-duty exemptions, and other facilities under an integrated business recovery plan to individuals, industries, traders and businesses affected by flooding in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, with the aim of helping them resume operations immediately.
The Cabinet also approved the import of 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar through Salt Trading Corporation Limited and Food Management and Trading Company Limited at a one percent customs duty.
Security personnel and civil servants involved in search and rescue operations following the Bhotekoshi flood will receive risk allowances and meal expenses.
Those injured during the operations will receive free medical treatment, while the families of those who die will receive Rs 1 million per deceased person as relief.
The government has decided to declare September 8 (Bhadra 23, 2083) a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of Gen-Z Martyrs’ Day.
It has also decided to observe a national day of mourning on September 7 (Bhadra 22) in honour of those who lost their lives in the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa along the Nepal-China border on August 26 (Bhadra 10).
On the day of national mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices across the country as well as at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
The Cabinet also decided to promote Narayan Prasad Bhatt to the position of Secretary in the Gazetted Special Class under the Nepal Administration Service and appoint him as Chief Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Koshi Province.
Comment