Challenges In The Management Of Repatriation

The government is preparing to repatriate 25,000 Nepalis living abroad in the first phase by setting 15 priorities.

However, the local and state governments are saying that they will not be able to manage the quarantine of the repatriated citizens.

They have complained that the central government has only given orders without managing resources.

Although the federal government manages the expenses of the 'holding center' for Nepalis brought from abroad, the central government has directed that the entire cost of quarantine management should be managed by the local level.

Even if the returnees are allowed to stay in the quarantine of the star hotel in their capacity, the responsibility of managing the quarantine including food for the poor people lies with the local level.

However, the local government has complained that the constitution has given the responsibility of disease control to the central government.

The people's representatives are accusing the central government of shirking its responsibilities by making a single decision.

Due to lack of resources, the local government has not been able to manage manpower, distribute relief, provide health workers and create quarantine as per the criteria. They have complained that the central government has given orders through email.

There is a similar challenge in managing the influx of people from India. The central government will provide Rs 175 a day to the local government for the people living in the quarantine.

The state government has been given the role of coordinating to keep the people who have reached the district headquarters in the quarantine of the concerned local level.

However, the central government says it will work in coordination with all three levels of government.

The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security says about 130,000 people need to be rescued from abroad immediately. Which does not include workers working in India.

According to the International Labor Organization, more than five million people are losing their jobs in the Gulf. Which is sure to have a direct impact on Nepali workers.

It is certain that millions of Nepalis from India will also become unemployed.

It is possible to fulfill the promise of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli that 'Nepalis will not be allowed to die of disease and hunger' only through the cooperation, coordination and coexistence of the layered government.

It is not possible to control the infection by giving instructions and orders by the central government without managing the resources.