Relief goods have been stuck at the customs yard after the government introduced 'one door' policy for relief distribution and lifted duty waiver facility from June 3. After June 3, the customs office at TIA has received 12 truckloads of relief and handed them over to government house. However, many local NGOs and individuals with political nexus are trying to waive off customs duty, an officials at TIA Customs Office, told Republica."Relief goods lying on open ground are starting to decay," Bhupal Baral, chief customs administrator at TIA, said. "The recipient of these goods are neither ready to pay duty, nor hand them over to the government."
Customs officials believe unclaimed cargo boxes include goods imported for commercial purpose. "They can neither hand over the goods to the government as relief material, nor produce documents to get customs clearance by paying applicable taxes," they added.
Laxman Aryal, joint secretary of Ministry of Finance, said relief goods are piling up at other customs offices as well. "The government can take decision on these goods only after 90 days," Baral said, adding they transfer such goods to government warehouse only if the central level committee on managing relief materials decides to do so.
Talking over phone, Rajendra Dhungana, information officer of Biratnagar Customs Office, said they do not have relief goods waiting for clearance. However, Mitralal Regmi, chief of Birgunj Customs Office, said hundreds of trucks have been parked in customs yard. "But we don't know whether they are relief material or commercial goods. We have been handing over relief materials coming through our customs office to the Chief District Officer," added Regmi.
NO RELIEF GOODS AFTER JUNE 22
The government on Monday decided not to accept any relief material from June 22.
"As people have resumed their normal economic activities, relief material will only make them dependent on others," Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), told Republica.
A committee led by Home Secretary Surya Silwal took the decision.
"Applicable custom charges will be levied on goods received after June 22," a press release issued by MoHA states.
Dhakal said the government agencies will distribute humanitarian assistance in affected areas in the coming days.
"We have entered into the phase of reconstruction after rescue and relief," added Dhakal.
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