Post-quake reconstruction works delayed due to no operation of Reconstruction Fund

(Purna Prasad Mishra) 

Kathmandu - A year has elapsed since the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) issued the guidelines for the setup and operation of the Reconstruction Fund, yet it has not been in existence. 

It has largely delayed the post-quake reconstruction works in the country. 

A bill related to the Reconstruction of the earthquake affected structures, 2072 BS was endorsed by the parliament where its Article 15 had provisioned the setup and operation of the separate Reconstruction Funds but the implementation is in sorry state. 

Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Shanta Raj Subedi, reasoned that the Fund could not come into operation in absence of the guidelines that ensure financial integrity. 

Secretary Dr Subedi further explained although the budget for new fiscal year has allocated budget to the NRA as per its demand, the NRA agrees not to set up the fund and operate it in absence of strict financial disciplinary provisions in the guideline. 

"We can't allow utilizing the budget in the yet-to-be-set-up Fund based on the discretion of the authorities. As there is no ways and means to exercise and impose financial discipline, the Authority decides not to set up the fund," he argued. 

Countering to the remarks of Secretary Dr Subedi, President of Legislature-Parliament's Development Committee Rabindra Adhikari recalled, "We had summoned the concerned authorities to the Committee meeting on March 22 this year to launch the Reconstruction Fund within a month". 

Chairperson Adhikari bemoaned that the government did not pay attention towards facilitating the smooth release of the Fund and easing the process relating to the reconstruction works. 

Adhikari claimed that the government did not pay heed to the Committee's directive to set up the fund for smooth operation of the reconstruction works. 

'It is wise not to further comment on the lackadaisical attitude of the government officials who only talked in the Committee's meeting but lag far behind to walk the talk. 

Had the Fund been launched and brought into operation, the NRA could function without approaching the Ministry of Finance (MoF) every time to avail the reconstruction budget. 

NRA Spokesperson Yam Lal Bhusal admitted that the Fund could not be set up till MoF was assured of financial integrity. 

According to him, the NRA had tried to launch the Fund prior to the announcement of budget for the current fiscal year. Citing the reference of Peace Fund, the MoF did not remain positive for the launch and operation of the Reconstruction Fund. 

"But the Ministry has agreed to release the budget allocated for the Authority in the current fiscal year," he informed. 

The 7.6 magnitude Gorkha Earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks had caused damages more than 800,000 physical infrastructures/houses.