PM Relief Fund Reaches Over Rs 6.3 Billion; Rs 65 Million Additional Grant Disbursed to 15 Local Bodies

Kathmandu — Contributions continue to pour in from domestic and international donors for disaster victims, pushing the total collection in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to over Rs 6.36 billion. Out of the funds pooled across nine commercial banks, the government has already transferred Rs 1 billion to the Disaster Management Fund to tackle immediate relief operations in flood-hit areas. Additionally, the Prime Minister's Office reported that over 6.11 million US dollars have been deposited into foreign currency accounts by international entities and organizations. To maintain transparency, the government has launched a dedicated 'Rescue Request Portal' to track all incoming assistance.

From the funds allocated for field operations, the government has disbursed an additional Rs 65 million to 15 severely affected local levels. Following a decision led by the Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, local bodies across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Tanahun have received grants ranging from Rs 2 million to Rs 150 million based on the severity of the damage. With an equivalent tranche distributed earlier, these 15 local authorities have now received a cumulative total of Rs 135 million for rehabilitation and recovery efforts.

Local governments are strictly mandated to utilize these grants for essential post-disaster services rather than arbitrary expenditures. The budget must be channeled into restoring disrupted critical infrastructure—such as roads, drinking water, communication, and electricity—along with repairing damaged schools and health posts. Furthermore, the funds are designated for constructing temporary shelters and distributing immediate relief packages to displaced families.