Kashag Sanctions Additional NPR 30 Million for Tibetans in Nepal

June 4, 2015

From Left: DIIR Secretary Tashi Phuntsok, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay,
Education Kalon Ngodup Tsering and SARD Secretary Ngodup Dorjee
at the press conference.

DHARAMSHALA: Following Kalon Ngodup Tsering and SARD Secretary Ngodup Dorjee’s damage assessment visit to quake affected areas in Nepal, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration led by Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, took the step to provide an additional NPR 3 Crores as relief for Tibetans in Nepal.

The funds are raised through the Central Tibetan Administration’s emergency relief and rehabilitation fund-raising campaign in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. 50% of the fund is raised from within the Tibetan community in India and abroad through its offices of Tibet and settlement officers. The other half of the fund is raised from the CTA’s network of donors and supporters across the world.

As in any natural calamity, the CTA’s response towards the earthquake was based on the three-phased approach: rescue, relief and reconstruction.

In the first phase, the Central Tibetan Administration sanctioned NPR 5.6 Million for the Tibetans in Nepal through the earthquake relief committee based in Kathmandu. 16 Lacs from the amount has been utilised for rescuing as well as treatment of those injured in the quake including NPR 50,000 for each of the 13 victims. Almost 40 Lacs from the fund were distributed in cash to Tibetans for basic amenities and contingency.

The second phase of Interim Relief is currently undergoing. Interim relief is imperative at the moment due to the onset of monsoon, which could result in outbreaks of serious illness and other unforeseen issues.

The third and final phase would be the reconstruction of the buildings, houses and other social and economic facilities damaged by the quake. The reconstruction is expected to begin between the next 3 – 6 months depending on the availability of funds.

The NPR 30 Million relief money is allocated as below:
1) Ex gratia payment of NPR 2 Lac for each member of a family who has died in the earthquake, with a total allocation of NPR 26,00,00.

2) An additional allowance of NPR 3000 per person for six months for those categorised as Below Poverty Line (Nyamthak), with a totyal allocation of NPR 25,02,000.

3) Temporary shelter of GI sheets for those whose houses have been destroyed, with a total allocation of NPR 14,80,000.

4) Renovation of minor damages to homes, offices, and community buildings as per the list provided by the settlement officers and assessed by the two-member Kashag’s delegation. Total amount allocated 46,00,000.

5) Special ex gratia payments to Bakhang and Thupten Choeling nunneries with a total allocation of NPR 30,00,000

6) Renovation of Schools Buildings: Namgyal High School; Namgyal Middle School; Songtsen High School; Atisha School; Lekshed Tsal; Mt. Kailash School and Shar Khumbu School; and for arranging temporary classrooms with a total allocation of NRs. 87,00,000

7) A total of NPR 25,50,000 has been provided for health care including medicines, and sanitation as per the list with a total allocation of NPR 25,50,000.

8) NPR 45,68,000 has been allocated for administration and contingency including logistics.

The Kashag has directed the offices of Tibet and settlement officers to send the money to Nepal and some have already initiated the process. It is hoped that the entire amount would be sent by the end of this month.

Expressing his profound sympathies with the suffering and situation in Nepal, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically-elected political head of the Tibetan people, said: “ Sadly, there have been some Tibetan deaths both in Nepal and across the border in Tibet. Severe damages to life and property have also been caused as a result of the earthquake. We pray for them and urge them to maintain their perseverance and resilience in facing this tragedy.”

The Central Tibetan Administration also applauded the Tibetan community across Nepal led by Buddhist monks and nuns for their relentless relief efforts in helping the victims of the earthquake in remote places and terrain in Nepal. “It is a reflection of the inherent kindness and gratitude of Tibetans towards Nepali people as adviced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Sikyong added.

Kalon Ngodup Tsering with Tibetans temporarily displaced by the earthquake.
They are sheltering at an under-construction building.