Kathmandu, April 6 -- Amid widespread criticism that the Nepal Army is increasing its commercial activities, the government on Thursday decided to award yet another project to the national defence force. It will now take the lead in the construction of houses for hundreds of windstorm victims in Bara and Parsa districts, who lost their residence in the disaster.

A five-member committee led by the principal secretary for Province 2 will coordinate the construction of the houses to be built on par with the government's People's Housing Programme-a home with four rooms including a kitchen. Announcing the government's decision, Minister for Information and Communication Gokul Banskota said the construction of all the houses will be completed...