The Nepali government told transport entrepreneurs that it will provide compensation for vehicles either damaged or burnt down while operating during the so-called bandh, Radio Nepal reported Monday.

The Ministry of Labor and Transport Management said in a statement that the government will provide ad hoc compensation of 40 percent or a maximum of 50,000 Nepali rupees (714 U.S. dollars) after making immediate assessment.

Vehicle owners will also receive an extra 20 percent from the government, besides the total amount received from the insurance company, and if any owner has not insured his vehicle, the government will provide economic assistance considering the state of damage.

Similarly, vehicle owners who wish to acquire a new vehicle because their vehicles were completely destroyed during the bandh will be given a 50 percent duty free concession. The new vehicle will be given the same route permit.

In case of death of any driver, conductor or helper during the strike, the government will pay an additional amount equal to the sum being paid by insurance companies in similar cases.

According to the ministry, such facilities will be given for all vehicles damaged or destroyed while operating services during the bandh, applicable within a year.

Likewise, the ministry also stated that the government will take legal action against the entrepreneurs if they try to create negative impact on the public life and not operate the transport on the route fixed by the license.

The week-long bandh began on Sunday. It was called by the anti- government guerrillas to disrupt the municipal poll slated for Wednesday.

Source: Xinhua