National
Finance Ministry releases Rs3.4b for election security
The Finance Ministry has released Rs3 billion and Rs400 million to Nepal Police and the Nepal Army respectively in the first phase for security arrangements for the upcoming local level elections.The Finance Ministry has released Rs3 billion and Rs400 million to Nepal Police and the Nepal Army respectively in the first phase for security arrangements for the upcoming local level elections.
The Home Ministry has proposed a security budget of Rs31 billion. “The released funds are meant for hiring temporary police and maintenance of logistics,” said a Finance Ministry official.
The Home Ministry is, however, said to be working to scale down its expenditure estimates.
Earlier, Rs10.3 billion was released to the Election Commission for its preparations. So far, Rs20 billion has been released in total for the local elections scheduled for May 14. Based on the demand from different government agencies, the poll expenses are expected to cross Rs40 billion.
EC begins logistics procurement process
The Election Commission has initiated the process of purchasing indelible ink to be used for marking voters after they cast votes.
The EC has also started the process to acquire 11 cars, 35 vans, a mini bus, a micro bus, 30 motorcycles and seven scooters, possibly in donation from India.
Election officials said the Indian Embassy has not formally responded to the request but has indicated unofficially that it would take time to arrange for the ink. Following the hint, the election authority decided to purchase the ink by itself.
EC Secretary Gopinath Mainali said the EC has started the procurement process. During the Constituent Assembly elections in 2013, India had provided 48 vehicles worth Rs55 million. Officials did not confirm the exact quantity of ink to be purchased but said it would be similar in volume consumed during the last CA polls.