Nepal House logjam ends as govt, Oppn agree on post-quake aid

The logjam in Nepalese parliament over mismanagement of the post-earthquake reconstruction today ended after an agreement between the ruling and the opposition parties over the release of NRs 200,000 aid to the survivors, leading to the resumption of discussion on this year's Budget.
The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) had been disrupting House proceedings for the past a few days demanding immediate release of the financial package to the victims of last year's devastating quake that killed nearly 9,000 people.
The NC had also alleged a lack of transparency in the distribution of the compensation to the victims of the quake.

Following the agreement between the ruling alliance and the main opposition Nepali Congress, Parliament today resumed discussion on the budget announced a couple of weeks ago.
Clarifying his government's position,Prime Minister KP Oli said his government was serious about reconstruction and providing relief to the survivors of the 7.8 magnitude quake.
He told the House that the Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA) started work soon after the required act was formulated.

He, however, acknowledged its work was delayed "for some time" due to the blockade of border checkpoints with India by Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, over a range of demands including that the new Constitution was discriminatory against them.

Oli also countered Opposition charges that his government has politicised the NRA, saying there was no political bias in the work of the NRA and that it was a transparent body.
Responding to Nepali Congress's demand to provide NRs 2,00,000 in one instalment to quake survivors to build their houses, Oli said that it was not possible.
But he said if themain opposition party agreed then the existing procedure can be amended to provide an additional NRs 1,00,000 in the second instalment to those who have already received NRs 50,000.
The government has agreed to provide the amount in three instalments, Oli said, adding that that was the agreement.

The NC welcomed the agreement regarding the release of the financial aid.
Issuing a statement after Oli's Parliament address, the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party said that it believed that the challenges Nepal faces can be also be resolved in future through agreement, common commitment and mutual trust.
As per the agreement, the statement said, the earthquake survivors would get Rs 150,000 in first instalment and the remaining Rs 50,000 support in the second instalment.
But those who have already collected Rs 50,000 as first instalment would get Rs 100,000 immediately.