One-Stop System Established for Collecting Flood Relief through Prime Minister’s Relief Fund
Following the devastating floods in Bhote Koshi, the government has urged the adoption of a one-stop system for collecting and distributing relief through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Kathmandu, 12 Bhadra. In response to the severe damage caused by the Bhote Koshi floods to life and property, rescue and relief operations have been accelerated. The government, private sector, organizations, and Nepali living abroad are all contributing to relief efforts. The Ministry of Finance has also recommended implementing a “one-stop system” for relief collection, which ensures that the aid gathered reaches the genuine victims in an organized, transparent, and equitable manner.
The government has designated the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, as the official channel for collecting and disbursing relief. According to the ministry, funds collected through this system will be prioritized and utilized for rescue, treatment, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Former Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal stated that the government’s one-stop system is the most appropriate arrangement for relief collection and distribution. It ensures that individuals or families do not receive repeated aid from multiple sources while others in need receive proper support.
According to Amrit Lamsal, Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Nepalis living abroad, international donor agencies, and organizations can also easily contribute financially to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Lamsal explained that funds can be sent to the fund’s account using SWIFT codes through foreign banks. As the risk of fraud in the name of relief collection has increased, the government has alerted the general public. It has been observed that some individuals solicit donations through social media, requesting transfers to personal bank accounts or e-wallets under the name “Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund” or “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.”
The government emphasizes the need to verify whether the request for assistance is official before donating. If help is being sought in the name of the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, donors are urged to cross-check the information with official government websites or verified social media pages before sending money. While the spirit of helping during natural disasters is invaluable, ensuring that aid reaches the right people promptly and fairly is even more critical.
