The confusion on modus operandi of distribution of relief material has not only exposed widespread mistrust on government agencies, but has also delayed distribution of relief materials to affected people.
The government's decision to tighten the process of opening bank accounts for collection of fund for earthquake hit people has further antagonized those who have intensified collection of the relief fund.Different individuals and organizations have started fund collection campaign in different parts of the world to provide relief to quake hit people.
Opening seven accounts in various banks, the government has urged individuals and organizations to deposit financial support in its bank accounts.
Following its failure to bring all financial aids under its clutch, the government introduced a new provision on Thursday that authorized it to transfer amount from any bank accounts opened for the purpose of relief fund collection to its own bank accounts operated by Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.
Government officials say such one-door policy measure is intended to avoid overlapping and duplicity in relief collection and distribution as well as ensure transparency and accountability in the whole process.
"The measure aims to make sure that all internal and international relief materials and funds are utilized in the most effective way," Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat told a press meet in Kathmandu on Friday.
However, many charity organization are shying away from making donations directly to the government either due to doubts about possible irregularity or delay in the disbursement from the government side.
"PM's relief fund seems a good option. What about corruption? I have never been to Nepal, so might be picking up prejudices from what I am reading, but several people worry that giving to the government might lead to money going astray," Alex Wilks, campaign director of Avaaz-an organization based in Germany, told Republica.
The government's move has also angered few relief groups which think that the government move is an attempt to monopolize relief work and resources.
"By bringing this new policy, the government has tried to curtail the fundamental freedom of the people who want to lend their helping hands to their fellow Nepali during this tragic moment," Robin Sitoula, executive director of Samriddhi, The Prosperity Foundation -- an economic policy think tank -- told Republica. "The government had repeatedly requested to donate relief funds on its account which was rejected by the donors and they started fund collection on their own. Now the new legal provision to centralize the relief fund is the attempt of the government to hide its lack of credibility." He also said people do not trust government channels due to lack of transparency and possibility misuse of fund.
Government officials, however, argue that they was no chance of the fund getting misused. "The fund accounts are overseen by a seven-member committee led by the Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission. The fund will also come under scrutiny of anti-graft body. There is no chance of misuse or lack of transparency at all," Mahat added.
While the prospective donors cast doubt over the government's inefficiency and possibility of corruption, government officials say the individual or direct relief fund collection and distribution lacks transparency and accountability. "It's impossible to track all such funds which may increase the possibility of misuse of such funds. Thus, the new measure will ensure coordination and effective disbursement of relief to the victims," said Shanta Raj Subedi, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), said.
The confusion on modus operandi of collection and distribution of relief fund and material, meanwhile, has delayed disbursement of the aid to the victims.
Many districts devastated by the 7.9 Richter scale are yet to receive any relief from the government while many individual deliveries of relief materials have been overlapped.
Related story
Despite enough funds in Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, vi...
