Kathmandu, October 23 – The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council handed over 5.1 million rupees to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund on Wednesday. A team led by the association’s president, Dr. Badri KC, met the Prime Minister at his residence in Baluwatar to make the donation. The association had pledged to provide 10 million rupees to assist the people affected by natural disasters like floods, landslides, and inundation, of which 5.1 million rupees were handed over in the first phase.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Oli, President Dr. KC also raised the legal complexities faced by Non-Resident Nepalis regarding citizenship. The Prime Minister’s attention was drawn to resolving the issues related to obstacles in exercising economic, social, and cultural rights after obtaining NRN citizenship. Additionally, he emphasized the need for ministry-level talks concerning the long-standing demand of ex-Gurkhas in the UK for equal pensions and rights.
Prime Minister Oli, thanking the NRNA for coming forward with humanitarian aid during times of disaster, said, “Once a Nepali, always a Nepali. The economic, social, and cultural rights guaranteed by the constitution are protected, but there is a need for serious discussions on the complexities of dual citizenship.” He also assured that the government is aware of the issues faced by ex-Gurkhas.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister suggested that the association move forward as a common organization representing all Non-Resident Nepalis. He urged the association to work in the interest of NRNs without any political motives.
The event was attended by Vice President Ram Sharan Simkhada, Treasurer Sudan Thapa, Deputy Treasurer Krishna Prasad Timilsina, Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator Hari Bhattarai, Regional Women’s Deputy Coordinator Indira Tripathi, and other members.
