The government has issued the “Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Committee (Formation) Order, 2082” for the reconstruction, economic recovery, relief, and rehabilitation of public and government structures damaged during the protests on September 8 and 9. According to the decision taken by the Cabinet, which was released by the finance ministry on Wednesday, the physical infrastructure reconstruction fund has been established. The government has urged the interested individuals and organisations to contribute.

Due to the significant structural damage caused by arson and vandalism during the Gen Z movement, the government has called for immediate financial resources for reconstruction, repair, relief, and rehabilitation. Government and private sectors are assessing the damage and destruction inflicted during the Gen Z movement that could amount to over Rs200 billion.

The Ministry of Finance has requested contributions from various agencies of government, provinces, local governments, the private sector, Nepali and foreign citizens, Non-Resident Nepalis, friendly nations, development partners, and international organisations. According to the ministry, financial contributions made towards the national reconstruction campaign will be eligible for tax deductions when calculating taxable income. The financial assistance can be deposited to the “Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Fund” account at the Rastriya Banijya Bank, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu. The account number is 1960100102070004 and the Swift code is RBBANPKA. Contributions can also be made via QR code or PhonePay.

Joint Secretary Tek Prasad Pandey, the ministry spokesman, emphasised the need for active participation of all and urged the general public to make contributions towards the national reconstruction effort. The government has already formed a five-member committee for reconstruction, headed by Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal. The home minister and the minister for urban development are its members.

The committee will prepare and approve the action plan for the reconstruction of physical structures damaged during the Gen Z movement. It will approve the programme, along with the amount of money to be spent from the fund, and will also assign responsibilities to the authorities for the reconstruction of damaged structures. The finance ministry stated that the committee will be responsible for operating the fund and monitoring programmes operated with it.