Issuing a press statement on Sunday, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers cautioned all generous donors to be cautious enough to make sure that the amount donated is not misused. "Whereas the government appreciates initiatives to help the victims, it has also become necessary to regulate the raising of the public funds and contribution in the name of disaster so that donations are not misused," said the statement.The government said the Nepal Rastra Bank has issued a directive on April 29 which makes it mandatory for all such funds raised to be deposited in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. All other withdrawal from such accounts has been prohibited in order to avoid possible misuse of donations.
The government also clarified that the directives, however, do not affect the operation of accounts maintained before April 25 by development organizations, relief agencies, and other social organizations. "In order ensure optimum utilization of funds and equitable distribution of relief to the affected people, agencies are required to carry out their relief works in close coordination with the government's central and district agencies," the statement said.
"Robust banking arrangements have already been made to help facilitate online banking transactions for people and institutions -- both Nepalis and foreigners, so that willing persons can deposit their donations and contributions easily," the statement further said.
Contributions and donations may be deposited by using SCT network within Nepal, and by using VISA or Master Card from outside Nepal. Donors and contributors may choose any of the payment alternatives to deposit their donations by logging in to http://pmrelief.opmcm.gov.np, according to the press statement.
In the statement, the government has also clarified that the fund collected in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund is exclusively used for search, rescue and relief of people affected and hit by natural disaster and calamities. "Money received from the government of Nepal or from any other national and international sources for the purpose of relief is deposited into this fund and is used solely for the purpose of providing relief to the affected people," it further said. The fund cannot be used to provide donations or facilities and allowances to civil servants.
At the central level, a committee headed by the vice chairperson of the National Planning Commission and comprising of secretaries of eight different ministries coordinate the fund activities. The funds are released to the office of the Chief District Officer, who is also the Coordinator of the District Relief Fund, through the Ministry of Home Affairs only after a unanimous decision is made by this committee," added the statement.
All expenditure under both the funds, that is, the central fund and the district fund, are regularly and annually audited by the Auditor General of Nepal, which ensures maximum accountability and transparency.
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