 "Nepal earthquake: US govt proposes four-fold jump in aid")
The US government has proposed a four-fold jump in relief to Nepal at $64 million to rebuild the country after the devastating 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and destroyed thousands of buildings.
In his annual budget sent to the Congress for the 2016-2017 financial year beginning October 1, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry proposed a $64 million for Nepal in the economic support fund (ESF) as against the actual $14.5 million in 2015.
"US assistance will be used to foster economic growth, and support reconstruction of houses, schools, and livelihoods in Nepal following the devastating April 2015 earthquake," the State Department said in its budgetary proposals.
Additionally, US assistance will be used to improve resource management, adaptation to climate change and protect biodiversity.
ESF will also be used to strengthen national disaster institutions in order to increase Nepal's preparedness and response to future natural disasters, it added.
"US assistance will also help increase effective governance through support for constitutional reform, increased political competition, improved government institutions, and a more strategic and effective civil society that advances the public interest," the State Department said.
In addition, the State Department has proposed $39.7 million for Nepal for the USIAD's global health programs.
The deadly earthquake that took place last year in April and May killed nearly 9,000 people and completely destroyed nearly 600,000 private houses, affected livelihoods of almost 5.6 million workers and caused damage and losses worth around $7 billion.
In his annual budget sent to the Congress for the 2016-2017 financial year beginning October 1, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry proposed a $64 million for Nepal in the economic support fund (ESF) as against the actual $14.5 million in 2015.
"US assistance will be used to foster economic growth, and support reconstruction of houses, schools, and livelihoods in Nepal following the devastating April 2015 earthquake," the State Department said in its budgetary proposals.
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Resources will also be used to increase agricultural productivity and promote changes in nutrition habits in order to lower the poverty rate and increase food security, it said.
Additionally, US assistance will be used to improve resource management, adaptation to climate change and protect biodiversity.
ESF will also be used to strengthen national disaster institutions in order to increase Nepal's preparedness and response to future natural disasters, it added.
"US assistance will also help increase effective governance through support for constitutional reform, increased political competition, improved government institutions, and a more strategic and effective civil society that advances the public interest," the State Department said.
In addition, the State Department has proposed $39.7 million for Nepal for the USIAD's global health programs.
The deadly earthquake that took place last year in April and May killed nearly 9,000 people and completely destroyed nearly 600,000 private houses, affected livelihoods of almost 5.6 million workers and caused damage and losses worth around $7 billion.