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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Nepal budget offers support for protest victims, but implementation concerns linger

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Nepal's government has announced financial aid, healthcare, and employment programs for victims of the Gen Z protests in its fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
  • The budget prioritizes support for families of those killed, free healthcare for the injured, and concessional loans for entrepreneurship.
  • Victims and movement leaders welcomed the measures but expressed concerns about effective and timely implementation, citing past unfulfilled commitments.

Nepal's government has unveiled a budget package aimed at providing relief and rehabilitation for individuals and families impacted by the Gen Z protests. The fiscal year 2026-27 budget, presented by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, prioritizes financial assistance, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and long-term rehabilitation for those affected.

the government has prioritised financial assistance, healthcare services, employment opportunities and long-term rehabilitation for those impacted by the movement.

— Swarnim WagleFinance Minister Swarnim Wagle presenting the budget at a joint sitting of Parliament.

Families of those killed during the movement will receive financial aid, while injured individuals are slated for free healthcare and monthly allowances based on their condition's severity. The government also plans entrepreneurship development programs and concessional loan schemes to help the injured rebuild their livelihoods. Funds are allocated for reconstructing damaged government buildings and making public infrastructure disability-friendly. Rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities are also planned across all provinces.

the budget outlines positive programmes but questioned whether they would be effectively implemented, noting that previous commitments had not been fully delivered.

— Santanu DhakalGen Z movement survivor commenting on the budget's implementation.

Despite the comprehensive package, some injured individuals have voiced concerns about the practical implementation of these programs. Santanu Dhakal, a survivor, questioned whether the outlined initiatives would be effectively delivered, referencing previous unfulfilled government promises. He highlighted existing coordination issues between government bodies, leading to incomplete free treatment and out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

while the budget is positive overall, timely implementation remains crucial.

— Prakash BoharaAnother injured individual commenting on the budget's implementation.

Another injured individual, Prakash Bohara, emphasized the need for timely implementation, noting that many are still undergoing treatment nearly nine months after the movement and require immediate access to support. Gen Z movement leader Rakshya Bam described the budget as "promising" and welcomed the focus on financial support for martyrs' families, expressing hope for serious commitment to implementation.

promising

— Rakshya BamGen Z movement leader describing the budget.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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