India pledged $1 billion for natural disaster reconstruction in Nepal on Thursday, with a quarter of the amount in the form of grants, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj told a donor conference also attended by China. “Relatives and friends come later”, Swaraj said, stressing the need for efficient and transparent utilization of funds.
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Swaraj said the $1 billion was over and above India’s existing aid pledges to Nepal.
“In an environment of good faith, I assure you that we will (leave) no stone unturned in ensuring that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries… because we are accountable to our own citizens”, he said as he opened the one-day meeting. The awful disaster and continuing aftershocks have not diminished the indomitable spirit of the Nepalese people.
“This conference is a golden opportunity to get people back on their feet and better prepared for the future”, he said. I am glad to see that in spite of the tragedy, the people of Nepal have displayed a steely determination to rebuild their country. Out of adversity comes strength.
Talking about ties between the two neighbors, she said “Ours is a “Roti-Beti ka Sambandh” (a bond of family and kinship)”.
From Manash Pratim Bhuyan Kathmandu, Jun 25 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met the entire spectrum of Nepalese leadership and encouraged them to finalize the long-pending drafting of the Constitution at the earliest to take the country on a new path of development.
“There was an outpouring of instantaneous empathy and support from all sections of Indian society”.
Koirala, however, urged delegates to “work with us, the government of Nepal” and vowed “zero tolerance toward corruption”.
She also congratulated the National Planning Commission of Nepal for their comprehensive recovery needs assessment, prepared in collaboration with more than 200 global experts.
The theme of the conference is “Towards Resilient Nepal” which will be inaugurated by Koirala, who will pitch for commitments from governments to rebuild his country.
“Mobilization of resources of this magnitude is a challenging task”. Commissioner Mimica also announced a package of up to €5 million for technical assistance, to support the government of Nepal in its reconstruction efforts, according to the European Commission. “For this, there is an urgent need to upscale investment in the infrastructure sector”, he said.
Mahat said “country-wide discussions” would be conducted on special projects, with the funds focused on reconstruction.
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