July 16: Reconstruction workers will be getting remuneration as promised by the government. The decision was taken in line with the announcement made by the government to release Rs 83.4 million for communication and transport expenses for the workers.

The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has informed that the amount has been released for 4000 technicians deployed in the 32 earthquake-affected districts. The budget has been released as per the instructions of newly-appointed finance minister Janardan Sharma following a meeting with concerned officials on Wednesday (July 14).

Similarly, the contract period of the technicians and engineers has been extended till mid-November, said NRA Executive Committee member Hariram Parajuli. He said that the decision was taken at the same meeting. Engineers from the Central Project Implementation Unit (Building) under NRA had staged a protest with various demands on June 25.

Later, during a discussion held at NRA on June 29, it was agreed that a fixed amount of expenses would be provided to the technicians as per the rules. Accordingly, the government has paid the amount. During the protest, they demanded that communication expenses, transportation expenses and local allowances be made available for the last fiscal year in accordance to the rules.

The government had planned to complete the reconstruction of private houses within the last fiscal year. However, the meeting held on Wednesday has extended the contract period of the technician till mid-November saying that the period of reconstruction has also been extended.

According to the NRA, 611,648 houses damaged by the 2015 earthquakes have been built so far. Agreements have been signed with 823,333 beneficiaries to build private houses.