KATMANDU, Nov 7: Just ahead of parliamentary and provincial assembly elections, the government has announced a relief package of Rs 4 billion for flood victims. Although the government defends its move, some said it is against the election code of conduct and raised questions about immediate implementation of the package. 

A Cabinet meeting on Monday instructed the Ministry of Finance to release Rs 4 billion without further delay, stating the relief was essential for the flood victims. The funds, according to a minister, will be provided to flood victims including those affected in the floods of 2014. "Ministry of Finance has been asked to immediately release around four billion rupees for flood victims," said Minister for Commerce Meen Bahadur Bishwokarma. 

About 100,000 houses were damaged by recent  floods but the government has not done anything for rehabilitating the flood victims other than providing immediate relief. 

Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said he was unaware of the government's decision. "I have no idea about this," said Yadav, requesting that the matter is taken up with Election Commissioner Sudheer Shah. 

 
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