Cabinet Unveils 7 Key Decisions, Approves $5 Million ADB Grant for Flood Relief
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The government has made public seven key decisions taken by the Council of Ministers during its meeting held on Thursday afternoon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel announced the decisions following the meeting.
The Cabinet decided to accept a US$5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for life-saving operations and immediate emergency rescue and relief efforts for people affected by the Bhote Koshi floods.
The government has also decided to provide relief, tax and customs concessions, and other facilities under an integrated business recovery plan to help individuals, industries, traders and businesses affected by the Bhote Koshi River flood in Rasuwa resume operations at the earliest.
Similarly, the Cabinet approved the import of 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar through Salt Trading Corporation Limited and Food Management and Trading Company Limited by levying a 1% customs duty.
The government has further decided to provide risk allowances and meal expenses to security personnel and civil servants deployed for search and rescue operations following the Bhote Koshi flood. Personnel injured during the operation will receive free medical treatment, while the families of those who lose their lives will receive Rs. 1 million per deceased person as relief.
The Cabinet also decided to declare Bhadra 23, 2083 a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of Gen Z Martyrs’ Day.
In honour of those who lost their lives in the devastating flood that occurred on Bhadra 10, 2083 in the Bhote Koshi River along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa, the government has decided to observe Bhadra 22 as a National Day of Mourning. On the day, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices across Nepal as well as at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
The Cabinet also decided to promote Narayan Prasad Bhatta to the position of Secretary under the Gazetted Special Class of the Nepal Administration Service and appoint him as the Chief Secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Koshi Province.
