Non-resident Nepalis hand over DNA test kits and Rs 10 million to government

Kul Acharya, a leader of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), and Uttam Nepal, a UK-based businessman and philanthropist, have handed over DNA testing kits to the Government of Nepal.

At a program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, they handed Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal two complete sets of the QIAGEN TissueLyser III system needed for DNA and sample processing. Preparations are underway to run these kits at the Police Central Forensic Science Laboratory or the National Forensic Science Laboratory in Khumaltar.

On the same occasion, Uttam Nepal also handed over a check for Rs 10 million to the government as assistance, through Minister Khanal. Both said the contribution was made in their personal capacity.

Acharya said bringing the machine into Nepal required overcoming many technical and legal hurdles. He also mentioned that non-resident Nepalis worldwide had raised funds for people affected by the floods that hit Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other districts on August 26.

Minister Khanal expressed confidence that this support would enhance the government's DNA testing and research capacity. Lawmaker Bidushi Rana, NRNA representatives, and senior ministry officials were present at the program.