⏱ 3 min read
On 9 October 2026 (2083/06/23), President Ram Chandra Paudel issued the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Disasters, 2026. Its main change: in disaster cases, a missing person can now be declared dead after 45 days instead of 12 years. This is an important current affairs and constitution question for Lok Sewa.
What changed
| Before | After the ordinance | |
|---|---|---|
| Declaring a missing person dead | After 12 years missing | After 45 days in disaster-related cases |
| Who recommended it | Council of Ministers, meeting of 7 October 2026 | |
| Constitutional basis | Article 114(1) of the Constitution of Nepal | |
Why it was needed
- The Bhote Koshi flood of 26 August 2026 (Rasuwa and nearby districts) left many people missing.
- Without a death certificate, families could not claim compensation, settle inheritance or transfer property.
- The ordinance gives these families a legal path within weeks instead of 12 years.
- Related relief: on 16 October the cabinet declared parts of Gorkha, Dhading and Baglung disaster crisis-affected zones for three months and approved Rs 15,000 a month housing support per family (up to four members).
Ordinance in the Constitution of Nepal (Article 114)
- The President may issue an ordinance on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers when both Houses of the Federal Parliament are not in session and immediate action is needed.
- An ordinance has the same force as an Act.
- It must be tabled at the next session of both Houses.
- It ceases to be in force if not approved within 60 days after both Houses meet, if both Houses reject it, or if the President repeals it.
Key facts to remember
- Main disaster law: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074 (2017), which created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
- The same cabinet meeting (7 October) also recommended ordinances on land and forests: see our forest and land ordinances post.
Practice MCQs
- Under the 2026 disaster ordinance, a person missing in a disaster can be declared dead after:
a) 30 days b) 45 days c) 90 days d) 1 year
Answer: b) 45 days - What was the earlier waiting period?
a) 7 years b) 10 years c) 12 years d) 15 years
Answer: c) 12 years - Under which Article of the Constitution of Nepal does the President issue an ordinance?
a) Article 110 b) Article 114 c) Article 119 d) Article 273
Answer: b) Article 114 - An ordinance ceases if not approved within how many days after both Houses meet?
a) 30 b) 45 c) 60 d) 90
Answer: c) 60 days - Which flood led to this ordinance?
a) Melamchi flood b) Bhote Koshi flood c) Koshi flood d) Seti flood
Answer: b) Bhote Koshi flood (26 August 2026)
Related Notes
- Forest and land ordinances 2026 and Article 114
- Monsoon disasters 2026 in Nepal
- Cabinet decisions October 2026
- Constitution of Nepal notes
- All Current Affairs posts
Sources: Kantipur: President issues ordinance related to disasters (9 Oct 2026); The Star / ANN: Shorter wait to declare missing victims dead; Nepal News: Cabinet decisions, 16 Oct 2026.
Why this matters for Lok Sewa
- Ordinances link current affairs to the Constitution: Article 114 is asked in both GK and law papers. See our Constitution notes.
- Useful in long answers on disaster governance and citizens’ rights.
Quick practice questions
- Under which article does the President issue an ordinance? Answer: Article 114(1).
- After how many days can a missing person in a disaster case now be declared dead? Answer: 45 days (earlier 12 years).