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The government has initiated the legal process to ensure a 2% allocation in the initial public offerings (IPO) of hydropower projects for security personnel deployed in search, rescue and rehabilitation efforts during the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system.

Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said this while addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday. He said the government was moving ahead with the provision in recognition of the significant role and contribution of security personnel during the floods and to encourage their efforts.

Minister Shrestha said the necessary legal process had been initiated to provide security personnel with participation in hydropower project IPOs in recognition of their dedication to search, rescue and rehabilitation operations despite difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and limited resources.

He also said the government had decided to provide immediate relief to the dependent families of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) employees who lost their lives or went missing during the floods.

According to Shrestha, families of NEA employees who died or went missing while serving the nation in the Trishuli River would receive immediate relief of Rs 500,000, along with 50 percent of the employees’ salary for six months.

He said the financial assistance should not be understood as compensation for the losses but as an initial effort by the state to stand by affected families and fulfill its responsibility during their time of grief.

Further assistance would be provided to the affected families in accordance with the NEA regulations and relief packages to be announced by the government, he said.

“Nothing is more valuable than human life,” Minister Shrestha said. “The pain caused by the devastating floods cannot be reduced with money. However, in this difficult time, the government must stand with the affected families to help meet their immediate needs.”

Relief for Flood-Affected Electricity Customers

Minister Shrestha also said various decisions had been taken concerning electricity services to reduce the financial burden on households, businesses and other electricity customers affected by the floods.

According to him, minimum electricity billing for flood-affected customers would be waived from Bhadra, damaged electricity meters would be removed from the records, and customers wishing to reconnect to the electricity service would be provided with new meters free of charge.

He further said the government was studying the possibility of providing additional concessions on electricity tariffs to customers in 15 local units affected by the floods.

Jalasarokar