who to blame?

The Himalayan Times

26 June 2015

Who to blame?

It was not surprising to know that some International Non- government Organizations (INGOs) are working in Nepal after 25 April quake without having official working permission “Over 100 new INGOs operating after April 25 quake, aftershocks (THT, 23 June, Page 1) and the government does not have any clues about their working procedures and areas. What a gross negligence is it on the part of the government and concerned authorities? It was the government who had asked the international community for help soon after killer earthquake rocked the nation.

The bureaucratic hurdle in getting official permission is tiresome job. So the INGOs did not bother to do so considering the necessity of their presence out in the affected area as sought by the government. If INGOs are working in the affected areas in their own ways, why does not the Social Welfare Service (WSC) bother to officially enlist them in its roster rather than making hue and cry? Otherwise, let the INGOs continue their good services to cater to the people of the quake affected areas considering the grievances of the people about not receiving any relief and roofing materials from government sources as frequently reported in media.

There are some drawbacks on the part of INGOs also. They operate their programmes with less transparency creating suspicion about their financial irregularities. For this, the government and SWC need to have clearly spelled out policies and procedures and guidelines so that their (INGOs) activities can be properly incorporated and monitored. Unless, the government and the concerned ministries and departments have detailed plan and program outlining the need of donor and INGOs support, the haphazard implementation and duplication of their project activities will continue to exist in the coming days.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj