The funds will be provided to the families of deceased in the earthquake for funeral and to the households who are capable enough to reconstruct their houses with minor repair.

“Along with food supply, we have released funds for families of those killed in the earthquake and those affected from this disaster as announced by the Cabinet,” said Home Ministry Spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal.

The Cabinet had earlier announced cash relief of Rs 140,0000 each to the  families of deceased in the earthquake, and Rs 25,000 each to the families capable to reconstruct their houses with minor repairs.

The government has instructed local District Adminstration Offices (DAO) to distribute the funds to the victims accordingly. The DAOs in Kathmandu’s adjoining areas started providing immediate relief from Saturday.

Amid mounting pressure from the local levels, the government is sending food supplies and other logistics to the 29 quake-affected districts.

The government distributed 6,312 quintals of rice, 245 quintals of salt and 310 quintals of sugar in the affected districts until Friday by using Army helicopters and trucks.  

Similarly, 900,132 cartoons of noodles, 10,638 quintals of beaten rice, 27,739 cases of biscuits, 6,298 cases of bottled water were sent to the districts. The 30 worst-hit districts had been prioritized over others during aid distribution, according to Dhakal.

Pvt sector can distribute relief: Chief Secy Paudyal

KATHMANDU: Government Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal has made it clear that the government has not barred the private sector from distributing relief packages to the earthquake victims.

Speaking at a press conference in the Capital on Saturday, Paudyal said the individual volunteers were directed to coordinate with Chief District Officers in order to avoid possibilities of disparity in relief distribution. He said the government teams led by joint-secretaries had already reached the 15 hardest-hit constituencies. “We have assigned 55 personnel in 15 areas,” he said.

However, Paudyal refuted media reports that there had been a haggle among government entities over leadership to distribute relief. “The media reports are fabricated and without base,” said the top bureaucrat, adding there are enough food stuff, but not enough tents for distribution to the earthquake victims.

People willing to contribute to the relief package can provide to the Nepal Food Corporation, he said.