The District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) has enforced a code of conduct for non-governmental organisations working in the district.

Stating that several complaints were lodged against the NGOs, government officials said that the code of conduct was aimed at making the organisations more responsible towards the communities.

The code was prepared by a taskforce of government officials, including some representatives of the NGOs. Chief District Officer Narayan Bhatta said the code had been implemented.

According to the rules, NGOs should submit their monthly reports to the local administration and the reconstruction authority. Locals had accused the NGOs of not making their accounts transparent and setting programmes as they pleased. The organisations will now have to appoint an officer to disseminate information.

“The code of conduct should be followed by all the representatives, members, staff and volunteers of NGOs,” said District Education Officer Dipendra Subedi, who coordinated the taskforce. Local Development Officer Narayan Acharya said some of the NGOs had yet to submit their financial reports.