By Smita Adhikari, Pokhara, Apr. 8: Amid the nationwide lockdown, Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has distributed relief package to
almost 20,000 families residing inside the metropolis.

Realising that the families with low income are seriously affected by the lockdown, PMC has been distributing relief packages and provided food relief to almost 20,000 families.

According to the Census of 2011, a total of 150,000 families live in Pokhara metropolis, capital of the Gandaki State.

Of them, PMC has selected beneficiaries on the basis of their income.

The executive meeting of the metropolis recently decided to distribute food items to families of daily wage earners, those who are living in extreme poverty and those who have very low income.

Mayor Man Bahadur GC said that local ward committees had been formed in all 33 wards of the metropolis to select beneficiaries for the relief.

The committee comprises of local representatives, social workers and political leaders.

The supply committees had chosen 19,440 families as beneficiaries, said Mayor GC.

The relief packages were prepared considering the number of family members, said GC, adding that the package included rice grains, lentils, salt, oil and beans.

The metropolis has set up a new fund worth Rs 24.8 million till now.

The public and stakeholders have voluntarily deposited Rs 1.5 million in the fund.