The Rising Nepal

BY PREM RAJ SIMKHADA,Kalikot, Jan. 12: The government’s decision to distribute rice to the citizens of Karnali during birth and death rituals has been gaining popularity. 

In a meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 8, 2016, the government had decided to provide 30 kilograms of rice to citizens in five districts of the former Karnali zone. It includes Kalikot, Humla, Mugu, Jumla and Dolpa districts. 

Initially, the distribution was limited to 20 kilograms of rice. However, starting from the fiscal year 2024/25, the government increased the rice distribution to 30 kilograms.

According to the Food Management and Trade Company Limited’s Kalikot branch office, 30 kilograms of nutritious rice is provided to help reduce maternal mortality in the Karnali region. In addition, arrangements have been made to cover transportation costs, as it can be expensive for citizens from remote municipalities to collect the rice. 

Nirmal Bista, information officer at the branch office, said that transportation fares are provided not only to individuals coming to collect the rice but also to those traveling from other municipalities. 

Citizens from Palanta, Pachhal Jharana, Narharinath, Shubkali and Mahawai rural municipalities, as well as Rasikot and Tilagufa municipalities, are given a transport allowance of Rs. 1,000 per person. Meanwhile, citizens from Wards 1 to 4 of Khandachakra Municipality and Wards 1 and 2 of Sani Triveni Rural Municipality receive Rs. 500. 

According to statistics from the previous fiscal year, citizens of Karnali have actively availed of this programme. In the fiscal year 2023/24, a total of 1,300 people received 20 kilograms of rice each from the branch office.

As of mid-December in the fiscal year 2024/25, 194 quintals of rice have been distributed for birth ceremonies and six quintals for death rituals, with Rs. 457,500 provided for transportation costs.

Published Date: January 12, 2025