DPM Mainali praises Red Cross

Kathmandu, June 7: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Chandra Prakash Mainali Tuesday said that the reconstruction was the top most priority of the government.

Inaugurating a 3-day Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Partnership Meeting, DPM Mailali expressed his expectations that the NRCS development plan contributes to the earthquake recovery programmes and development process in Nepal.

“NRCS is a trusted partner of Nepal and we highly value the contributions of NRCS in addressing needs of vulnerable people of Nepal,” said the DPM.

Chairman of NRCS Sanjiv Thapa informed that the Red Cross had reached more than 3.5 million earthquake affected people in past and had a plan to serve about 600,000 people in shelter, water, sanitation and health, health and livelihood area.

Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator Craig Sanders appreciated Red Cross activities in Nepal and suggested to have proper Red Cross legislation in the country.

Vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada delivered key not speech on long term development efforts in the country while chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction Authority Sushil Gyawali presented a paper on current reconstruction scenario.

The 3-day meeting is organized every two years which brings together different partners from the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, United Nations agencies, other partners and governments who provide support to the humanitarian programmes and  capacity development of NRCS.

The purpose of the meeting is to brief the international community about the situation of Nepal, progress made in past one year and to gather further support to address local needs, read a press statement issued by the NRCS.

Approximately 84 delegates from different organizations and leaders from 22 countries are participating the meeting.