Kathmandu, Asoj 5: Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has stated that the government is moving forward by coordinating and collaborating with various agencies to provide relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction support to citizens affected by the Bhote Koshi floods in Rasuwa.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) at the ministry today, he emphasized that the government has prioritized the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the flood victims. Minister Timilsina explained that relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction programs are being advanced based on an assessment of the victims' problems and the identification of their actual needs. He clarified that coordination and collaboration with all relevant agencies are underway to rehabilitate the affected citizens. Noting that it is not feasible to resettle the displaced families in their original locations, he informed that discussions are being held with local levels to develop new settlements in safer areas. "It is not possible to keep the settlement in the original location. Discussions are ongoing with local authorities regarding suitable sites for establishing the settlement," said Minister Timilsina.
He remarked that an integrated approach to reconstruction and rehabilitation—rather than separate efforts by various agencies—would yield more effective results. Minister Timilsina added that the government aims to proceed in this manner, as having a single agency take the lead role in reconstruction while mobilizing necessary support from other government and non-government bodies would lead to faster outcomes. During a meeting attended by an NRNA delegation—including Vice President Rojina Pradhan Rai, Women's Vice President Radhika Gurung (Tika), General Secretary Dr. Chiranjivi Khadka, and Chief Administrative Officer Rajendra Kumar Rawat—discussions were held regarding the government's ongoing efforts for those affected by the Bhote Koshi floods and the potential support the NRNA could provide. The NRNA expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government on rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives.
The NRNA reported that it is currently carrying out the third phase of institutional relief distribution for the Bhote Koshi flood victims. Discussions also focused on the need to implement relief and rehabilitation programs specifically targeting women, children, and other vulnerable communities displaced or at risk due to the floods. Emphasizing that accurate and timely information dissemination is as crucial as relief supplies during disasters, the NRNA expressed a desire to collaborate with the government on information exchange, coordination, and partnerships related to relief distribution. Furthermore, the NRNA indicated its willingness to provide additional support in sectors such as education and health within the disaster-affected areas.
The NRNA delegation also discussed with Minister for Communications Dr. Timilsina the prospect of bringing additional resources, assets, and capital into Nepal through institutional efforts. The meeting covered the progress of the NRN Development Fund and the potential for utilizing it in Nepal's investment and development sectors. Minister Dr. Timilsina expressed interest in the possibility of attracting further investment from Non-Resident Nepalis and stated that the government is prepared to provide the necessary facilitation and cooperation to achieve this. The meeting also included discussions on amending legal provisions regarding Non-Resident Nepalis, the issue of Non-Resident Nepali citizenship, and enhancing the use of information technology and the effectiveness of digital services in Nepal. Furthermore, discussions were held on attracting investment to Nepal, utilizing the knowledge, skills, and capital of the Nepali diaspora for the country's development, and expanding institutional collaboration.
