Kathmandu. Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung has said that modern technology being used in disaster management, relief distribution and public procurement process are cumbersome.
Speaking at the committee meeting held this morning, he reminded that relief was distributed in Sindhupalchowk and Kavre for the first time in Nepal through heavy lifting drones.
He said that although heavy lifting drones with the capacity to carry up to 200 kg are available at present, the procurement process will be very long due to the Public Procurement Act.
According to him, it takes 45 days to purchase a drone as per the Public Procurement Act.
“We had distributed relief materials through drones in Sindhupalchowk and Kavre for the first time in Nepal through heavy lifting drones,” he said. Now a heavy-lifting drone that can carry up to 200 kg has arrived. According to the Public Procurement Act, it takes 45 days to buy a drone. What kind of law is it that the monsoon will end when that drone arrives? If the Act had been amended to make it easier to work, something could have been done. ’
On the occasion, Home Minister Gurung said that the suggestions of all the parliamentarians were seriously considered, saying collaboration was necessary rather than dividing the government and opposition parties. He said that support from all quarters is essential for carrying out effective works in sensitive sectors like disaster management.
Citing the budget crunch in the Ministry, he complained that although it is a challenging responsibility, the resources are very limited.
“The ministry is short of budget. We have been assigned to challenging jobs, but we have very few resources. If the honorable gentlemen in the parliament raise their voice for increasing the budget of the Home Ministry, our agencies will be able to work more effectively. ’
Leave your comment