PM's disaster relief fund holds over Rs 18 billion, but just Rs 245 million released to affected local units

Despite holding a substantial balance, the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund has released only a meagre amount to disaster-affected areas in the Bhotekoshi and Kaligandaki corridors.

The fund currently holds a balance of about Rs 18.25 billion, while disaster-affected local units have received only Rs 245 million in total.

The Parliamentary Special Committee on the Study and Monitoring of the Bhotekoshi and Kaligandaki Corridor Disasters has sought a detailed account of the funds collected and spent through the fund.

Finance Ministry Secretary Dr Ghanashyam Upadhyaya had earlier said that reconstruction work in the Bhotekoshi and Kaligandaki corridor areas would move forward soon.