HELLO NEPAL

The Kathmandu Post 29 May 2015 POLITICAL PROBLEMS Relief and reconstruction in the aftermath of devastating earthquake seem to be taking place in full swing in the affected areas. But the government, semi-governmental organizations, individuals, I/NGOs, private organizations, donor agencies and political parties are all engaged separately in these activities, the government has not still been able to coordinate these activities. As a result, the grievances of not receiving relief and shelter materials continue to be reported in the news media. It is sad and unfortunate to see these people still being deprived of basic materials when the monsoon is fast approaching. There also seems to be competitions going on among the major political parties in reaching out to the affected people using their cadres and volunteers, albeit late, to show their presence as illustrated by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (“Partners in crime” 27 May, Page 6). If these activities are not proper...

Good job Manisha It was revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs that the number of women killed during the recent killer earth-quake was more than that of men. This could be the indication that the women are more vulnerable to men during such natural calamity. Many women have delivered their babies in the make-shift camps where proper foods and health care services are not available. Many women had even miscarriages due to shock. Other women are engaged in looking after the well being of their children who are passing through mentally stressful life due to the recent devastating earth-quake. Kudos to Manisha Koirala, Goodwill Ambassador of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), who made an effort to counsel women folks living in make-shift camps erected in Tundikhel, Kathmandu as reported “Manish to help ensure dignity of women” (THT, 23 May, Page 10). During such natural calamity, women face tremendous mental pressure concerning their reproductive health and security....

The Kathmandu Post 22 May 2015 STEP UP The ongoing diplomatic pressure applied by the Nepal government to the donor community to deposit its financial support for the post-quake programme in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (PMRF) seems to be hard for the latter to digest, considering the government’s transparency and accountability record as mentioned by Sophia K Tamot in her article (“In whom we trust” 19 May, Page 6). I personally do not see any problem in channelling such funds through one-window system so that they are not haphazardly used in the name of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. However, there has been growing concern of the proper utilization of funds, considering the government’s failure to lead the ongoing rescue and relief-related activities. Had there not been other individuals and organizations involved in the relief, the post-quake situation could have been more devastating, which would have completely tarnished the government’s imag...