Nepal eases death declaration rules after devastating floods (Img: X)
New Delhi: Nepal has sharply reduced the waiting period for declaring people missing in disasters legally dead, bringing it down from 12 years to just 45 days. The move could help the families of 5,285 missing people, including at least 189 Indians who disappeared during the August 26 floods, obtain death certificates and pursue compensation, insurance and inheritance claims.
President Ram Chandra Poudel issued the ordinance late Friday, a day before the 45-day period following the disaster was due to expire.
The ordinance, recommended by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s cabinet, came into force immediately. For the families of the 189 missing Indians, the process will begin with establishing that their relatives were present in the flood-hit areas on August 26.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu will coordinate with Nepalese authorities to verify the details. Local registration offices will then process applications based on documents establishing nationality, police reports and embassy certification, wherever required.
After Nepalese authorities issue death certificates and complete the necessary consular formalities, families will be able to use the documents in India to pursue inheritance, insurance and other legal claims.
However, the ordinance does not clarify whether foreign nationals will be eligible for compensation under Nepal’s disaster relief provisions.
