India hands over NPR 1.6 billion to Nepal for post-quake reconstruction

India on Monday handed over NPR 1.6 billion as reimbursement of part payment of the first and second tranches of housing reconstruction in Nuwakot and Gorkha, among the areas affected in the devastating 2015 earthquake.

"The amount has been released towards reimbursement of part payment of first and second tranches of housing reconstruction extended by Government of India to 50,000 housing beneficiaries in Nuwakot and Gorkha districts," according to an official statement.

Until now, India has reimbursed a total of NPR 4.5 billion to Nepal, the statement added.

The Ambassador of India to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, handed over the cheque to the Finance Secretary of the country, Rajan Khanal, in Kathmandu. Nepal's Finance Minister, Yuba Raj Khatiwada, was also present on the occasion.

India is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for providing socio-technical facilitation to the affected house owners to ensure that homes are rebuilt as per the Nepalese Government's earthquake resilient norms.

During the programme, Nepal expressed its appreciation for the sustained and generous humtarian support extended by the Indian government for post-earthquake reconstruction.

Thanking the Nepalese government for the partnership, Ambassador Puri reiterated that India's government, along with its people, remain committed to the completion of post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.

( With inputs from ANI )