Local Government in Bhojpur Allocates Own Funds for Housing Program After Federal Delay

Bhojpur. Following the federal government's failure to provide necessary budget, the Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality in Bhojpur has begun distributing funds from its own allocation for the Safe Citizen Housing Program starting Friday. The municipality had allocated NPR 1 crore 55 lakh 25 thousand through a special session.

The municipality secured its own source of funding after the budget, which was supposed to be allocated through the Urban Development Program under the central government, had not been released to date. The municipality had ensured the source by enacting the Safe Citizen Housing Management Act, 2082.

A total of 871 households were selected for the program aimed at replacing thatched roofs. Among them, 742 households signed agreements, and while 601 households have replaced their tin roofs, only 301 households have received payment so far. The Rural Municipality Chairman, Thamba Bahadur Rai, stated that 300 households are still awaiting payment, and 141 households could not replace their roofs due to a lack of budget. Chairman Rai informed that a budget of NPR 1 crore 55 lakh 25 thousand has been secured for the payment of 207 out of the 300 households awaiting disbursement.

Chairman Rai said, 'The failure of the federal government to implement its own decisions has led many local governments to face criticism, while citizens suffer the consequences. Considering the citizens' problems, the local government has secured the source itself. If the federal government releases the budget later, we will add it to the local government's revenue.'

Beneficiaries in many local levels, including Bhojpur, have been suffering because the budget for the thatched roof replacement program has not been released by the federal government's Ministry of Urban Development.