US government proposes USD 64 million aid to Nepal

In his annual budget sent to the Congress for the 2016-2017 fiscal year beginning October 1, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry proposed a USD 64 million for Nepal in economic support fund (ESF) as against just actual 14.5 million in 2015.

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.

In addition, the State Department has proposed USD 39.7 million for Nepal for the USIAD's global health programs.

The deadly temblors that took place last year in April and May killed nearly 9,000 people and completely destroyed around 6,00,000 private houses, affected livelihoods of about 5.6 million workers and caused damage and losses worth around USD 7 billion.