Kathmandu: The government is set to introduce a series of empowerment, awareness, and social integration programs aimed at supporting gender and sexual minorities, enabling them to lead dignified lives. This initiative was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel during the presentation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/083.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the government is determined to continue its national campaign focused on rescuing and rehabilitating street children. This will include provisions for the protection, family reunification, social rehabilitation, and alternative care of abandoned and orphaned children. The budget statement further elaborated that the capacity of child reform homes will be enhanced, offering psychosocial and career counseling, and the child helpline service will be integrated with the Nagarik app.
The budget also outlines a plan to streamline the national identity card distribution system by updating criteria for identifying and classifying people with disabilities. The government intends to ensure public services are accessible to people with disabilities and expand community-based rehabilitation services for the destitute, disabled, and completely disabled individuals.
A stringent zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against all forms of violence and harassment towards women, including acid attacks. Additionally, the government plans to complete the construction of Women, Children, and Senior Citizen Service Centers and establish rehabilitation centers for women survivors of violence in Madhes, Sudurpaschim, and the Kathmandu Valley.
Furthermore, the government aims to restructure the Social Welfare Council and the National Child Rights Council. This involves mobilizing non-governmental organizations in alignment with national priorities and local needs, as well as enhancing the documentation, monitoring, and evaluation systems of programs operated by both national and international non-governmental organizations.