The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) on Friday claimed it spent Rs 80 million for different social welfare programs from money collected from Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) over the past two years.

NRNA President Jiba Lamichhane said the amount was contributed by NRNA members from across the world for social welfare programs for needy people.

Speaking at a press meet on the eve of NRNA International Convention and 6th NRN Global Conference here on Friday, Lamichhane said personal spending on social welfare programs by NRNs in their home districts during the period was worth well over Rs 300 million. Lamichhane also said the NRNA opened National Coordination Committees (NCCs) in 10 countries during his tenure. So far, NRNA has NCCs in 65 countries.

Officials of NRNA also said NRNs have started collective investment as declared in the fifth NRNA Global Conference held in 2011. NRNs have established NRN Investment Limited (NIL) and are currently developing Dordi Khola (27 MW) hydropower project. They are also conducting preliminary studies on other medium-scale projects.

Tenzi Sherpa, general secretary of NRNA, told Republica that the NIL has already mobilized about Rs 1 billion for the Dordi Khola project. The NIL has targeted to collect Rs 5 billion from NRNs within five years to invest in different projects in Nepal.

Meanwhile, NRNA organized various programs to celebrate its 10th anniversary. It organized a literature meet, art competition among children of NRNs and released an informative booklet for youths interested in foreign employment, among others. The association plans to distribute the booklets via all Village Development Committees (VDCs) and municipality offices free of cost.

During the conference, the NRNs will discuss the issues of collective investment, foreign employment and joint venture with the Nepali private sector, among others.

Lamichhane said senior leaders of different political parties have been invited to the conference to discuss the issues of economic development. He also said the NRNA is yet to be registered in Nepal as the NRN Act contradicts the association´s statute.

According to NRNA statute, Nepalis living abroad for at least six months can get NRNA membership. But NRN Act 2008 states that only those staying abroad for at least two years are eligible for NRNA membership.

Lamichhane said the conference will be an important platform to settle the issue.

Speaking at the press meet, Founding President of NRNA Upendra Mahato said the association succeeded in uniting all Nepalis living abroad and opening new avenues to work together.

Commenting on an allegation that NRNA is heavily politicized, Mahato suggested to the NRNA members to shun any political ideology in the association.

The general assembly of NRNA to be held on Saturday and Sunday will choose the association´s new leadership for the next two years. Five NRNs, including incumbent general secretary Sherpa, have announced candidacy for the post of president.

About 1,300 participants from more than 50 countries are participating in the gala event. President Dr Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to inaugurate the event at the Army Officers´ Club on Monday.

Meanwhile, the NRNA has said that it will not receive monetary support from the government to organize the event. The association had been drawing criticism from all quarters for seeking financial assistance from the government to organize the event.

NRNA Spokesperson Hemraj Sharma said the association had declined the government´s financial support last year as well.

The government had earmarked one million rupees for the NRN conference last year.

Published on: 19 October 2013 | Republica