In times of crisis, accurate information is as essential as it is elusive. It was thus quite unfortunate when rumors around the Prime Minister’s relief fund started to spin out of control. Rules placed by the government around the influx of funds to non-registered NGOs or personal accounts were misinterpreted on both international news media and on social media.
Firstly, let us be clear: registered NGOs can receive funds from outside the country. The government has declared that any funds sent from outside the country to NGOs who were created solely for earthquake relief will be re-routed to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. NGOs with existing registrations prior to the earthquake are unaffected by this rule. Funds to these NGOs will not be seized.
Local community-based organisations with ties to the affected villages are those that are affected the most by these rumours. These smaller organisations can leverage even relatively small donations incredibly well because they understand Nepal, are run by Nepalis, and are committed to taking care of their own communities. These organisations need and can utilise quickly small donations provided by the Nepali diaspora and other supporters.
It is vital that these rumours are put to rest, funds can flow without interruption, and aid can reach some of the most neglected and affected communities.
(Clarification in the public interest.)