NC, UML, NBL support to the PMDRF

 Kathmandu, Oct. 6

The Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and Nepal Bank Limited have provided cash support to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) on Sunday.

A team led by the NC President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba handed over Rs. 5 million to the PMDRF on Sunday and offered suggestions on the immediate and long-term actions needed following the recent natural disaster including floods and landslides caused by the heavy rains.

Deuba met Prime Minister Oli at the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar and handed over a 34-point suggestion letter and a cheque bearing the Rs. 5 million, informed the PMO. On the occasion, PM Oli said that the suggestions given by the NC with the main feeling that all parties should be united to face natural calamities were admirable.

According to the statement of the PMO, PM Oli assured that the government will take the lead in dealing with it as the disaster affects everyone regardless of caste, age and religion, remembering the common responsibility.

The NC has urged the government to work together to deal with the disaster and prepare for possible future disasters with united efforts. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Vice-President of the NC, Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma and other leaders were present on the occasion.

Likewise, CPN (UML) handed over Rs 5 million to PM Oli for the Fund. A team of UML leaders including Senior Vice-Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel, Deputy General Secretaries Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Prithvi Subba Gurung, and Secretary Raghubir Mahaseth handed over the cheque to him at his office.

On that occasion, Prime Minister Oli said that the disaster should be faced in a united manner by considering it the common responsibility, and the government will lead the initiative. He clarified that all three levels of government and state agencies are in the helm to fight against the disaster.

Meanwhile, Nepal Bank Limited has donated Rs. 20 million to the PMDRM. A team from the bank including its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Chandra Bahadur Adhikari handed over a cheque of that amount to PM Oli at his office on Sunday.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli thanked the bank and asked it to provide loans so as to promote the investors and industries and strict control the non-performing loans.

Earlier on Friday, various institutions had donated Rs. 34.8 million to the PMDRF. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 October 2024.