MP Deepak Kumar Sah Accuses Government of Evading Flood Victim Management

Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Deepak Kumar Sah has accused the government of trying to evade the management of flood victims. Speaking at a meeting of the Women and Social Affairs Committee on Friday, he said that the government has reached a stage where it is giving some amount to the flood victims and telling them to manage themselves. He stated that the government should be a guardian in times of disaster. He said that the proper management of flood victims is the mandatory responsibility of the government and it cannot shy away from it. He said that providing only money to the affected citizens will not solve the problem and that long-term rehabilitation and psychosocial support are necessary. Mentioning that the situation of relief and rehabilitation after the disaster is still not adequate, he also questioned the 'one door' policy adopted in relief distribution. Speaking about the government's efforts and challenges, he said, 'The government has made a very good effort now, there is no doubt about that. But this destruction is so great that even while we are working, we have not been able to do anything for them sufficiently. I am hearing somewhere now that the government is moving forward with the mood of giving some amount to those families and letting them manage themselves.' Pointing out that money alone is not a solution, he said, 'The problem will not be solved by the government just giving money. The pain that has been inflicted on the people there, the shock that has been inflicted on their emotions and minds, cannot be fixed by saying you will be fine on your own. This requires a separate phase of rehab. The government should not just be in the role of a giver, but in the role of a guardian.' He also suggested to the government to monitor the aid received by non-governmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations and their expenses. He said that there is a big difference between the amount received and spent by some NGOs and INGOs working in Nepal. He demanded the formation of a committee to monitor and audit the use of relief funds and the work done by the organizations. He also expressed dissatisfaction that the parliamentary committee related to women, children, and senior citizens remained inactive for 16 days during the disaster. He said that although the committee should have played a leading role during the disaster, it could not be effectively active.