The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has started distribution of the second instalment of the private housing aid to the earthquake-affected families. The distribution of second tranche of housing grant started in three districts—Gorkha, Sindhuli and Nuwakot on Wednesday.

Those who have laid the foundation of the house being reconstructed after the Gorkha Earthquake will be eligible for the second instalment of Rs150,000, according to the NRA.

“Distribution of the second tranche of housing aid started in Gorkha, Sindhuli and Nuwakot districts on Wednesday,” said Deputy Spokesperson at the NRA Bhisma Dahal. As per the data obtained until Wednesday evening, 41 households of Masel VDC in Gorkha, 75 of Sitalpati VDC in Sindhuli and six of Manakamana VDC in Nuwakot. 

The NRA said the distribution of the second tranche will be carried out gradually in other 12 districts worst affected by the devastating earthquakes in 2015. 

In the immediate aftermath of the quakes, the government had decided to provide Rs200,000 per household as private housing rebuilding aid, which was later increased to Rs300,000 in three instalments—Rs 50,000, Rs 150,000 and Rs 100,000. 

The distribution of the second instalment has started almost six months after the government signed the tripartite agreement with eligible households to distribute the first instalment in 14 quake-hit districts. The NRA decided to move ahead with the second instalment and has already submitted a proposal to the Finance Ministry seeking Rs 25 billion in additional funds for the purpose. 

The second instalment had been halted due to the delay in approval of the amended private housing aid guideline. A Cabinet meeting finally endorsed the amended guideline on December 29, opening the doors for the distribution of the second instalment. 

Out of the total 626,036 households registered for the housing aid in the 14 quake-affected districts, 548,255 households have signed the tripartite agreement with the NRA. Out of that, 473,813 households have received the first tranche of aid as of Sunday. The newly appointed NRA Chief Executive Officer, Govind Raj Pokharel, has stated that the distribution of the aid in three instalments will be completed in the next six months.