Government offers monthly allowance to squatters displaced by bulldozer operations

The government has decided to provide a monthly management allowance of Rs 15,000 for three months to squatters displaced by bulldozer operations in settlements including Kathmandu.

In a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, it was decided to offer Rs 15,000 per month for a family of five, with an additional Rs 2,000 for each extra family member. Before providing the monthly allowance, the government will also give a one-time resettlement grant of Rs 25,000.

Additionally, the government has decided to house the elderly, disabled, helpless, and those unable to manage themselves in designated holding centers. It will coordinate with local levels to ensure children’s education, school facilities, and health services.

Previously, the government had decided to manage the squatters within 15 days of bulldozer operations in their settlements. However, despite starting the operations on Baisakh 12, the government has not yet managed to relocate the squatters even after nearly a month.

In today’s Parliament session, UML MP Bishnu Maya Bik drew attention to the government’s negligence regarding the squatters’ situation. She raised concerns about a 28-year-old man, Milan Tamang, who lost his mental balance after his house was bulldozed and has not received treatment.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet meeting today also decided to accept a grant of 6.116 million Swiss francs from the Swiss government for the Municipal Revenue Enhancement Project. It also accepted a grant of 79.36 million RMB from the Chinese government for the repair and improvement of the Araniko Highway.

Furthermore, the meeting approved the Delegation Rules, 2083, and the Sixth Amendment to the Military Service Regulations, 2083. It also granted approval to present a bill amending the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058, in the Federal Parliament and decided to align and appoint gazetted special category secretaries according to the Nepal Government (Work Division) Rules, 2083.