Kathmandu: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has issued a warning against the unauthorized collection of funds in the name of flood victims, emphasizing that strict actions will be taken against violators. The warning comes in response to complaints about individuals, groups, and organizations forcibly collecting money under the guise of providing financial support for those affected by the Bhotekoshi flash flood.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the OPMCM received reports that some entities are using unauthorized ‘QR codes’ and personal account numbers to collect funds, raising concerns within the Prime Minister’s office. The OPMCM has urged people to refrain from such activities and advised potential donors to contribute only to officially sanctioned accounts to prevent financial fraud and ensure transparency in fund management.
A statement from the spokesperson at the OPMCM, Hemraj Aryal, highlighted the importance of directing financial support to officially announced accounts and QR codes. The statement aimed to ensure that donations are used appropriately and transparently, without risk of mismanagement or fraud during this challenging period.
For those wishing to contribute, the government has designated specific accounts under the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund and the Prime Minister Relief Fund. Contributions can be made to accounts at various banks, including Himalayan Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Everest Bank Limited, Nepal Bank Limited, Global IME Bank Limited, Nabil Bank Limited, and Agricultural Development Bank Limited. These measures aim to streamline the donation process and safeguard the integrity of financial aid for flood relief efforts.