House panel stresses for concrete reconstruction

KATHMANDU, June 23: Parliament's Finance Committee has advised the government to present concrete and clear reconstruction plan and programs before donor countries and agencies at the International Conference for Nepal's Reconstruction 2015, which is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on June 25.

During the committee meeting on Tuesday lawmakers stressed the need for presenting a concrete plan and procedures for reconstruction at the conference saying it would help to take the donors into confidence and collect sufficient funds.Prakash Jwala, chairman of the committee, urged the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Commission to come up with a clear plan for reconstruction instead of just presenting details of damage caused by the earthquakes.

Jwala said that a concrete proposal outlining reconstruction strategy will help donors to take the decision on the kind of contribution they want to make.

"I also urge the government to persuade all donor countries and donor agencies to provide donation through Prime Minister's Relief Fund," added he.

Janardhan Dhakal, a lawmaker, said, "Since the disaster, international community has displayed a sense of distrust with the government. They were reluctant to deposit funds into the Prime Minister's Relief Fund fearing irregularities. The conference should also be seen as an opportunity to gain the trust of international community."

Apart from devising a clear reconstruction plan, Puspa Kandel, another lawmaker, said the government should also tell the donors how the money provided by them will be invested.

Suman Prasad Sharma, secretary of Finance Ministry, said that the government could not prepare a concrete reconstruction plan and programs in lack of adequate time. "It was not possible to come up with a concrete plan in such a short span of time. We will present details of damages made by the earthquake at the conference and urge the donor agencies to become our development partners and help reconstruct our country," added he.

Sharma informed the committee that 233 of the 300 foreign dignitaries invited to take part in the conference have already confirmed their participation.

National Planning Commission has estimated that Rs 669 billion would be required for the reconstruction.

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