The government has announced the establishment of rehabilitation centers for women affected by violence in the upcoming fiscal year. This announcement was made in the budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, presented by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel on May 29. As part of the campaign against violence against women, the budget statement mentions that rehabilitation centers will be established in Madhesh, Sudurpaschim, and Kathmandu. Similarly, Finance Minister Paudel stated that the government would implement family and social awareness programs to eradicate harmful practices such as child labor, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, witchcraft allegation, chaupadi, menstrual discrimination, and child marriage.
The government in the budget speech has stated that it will continue to provide free air rescue services for pregnant and postpartum women at risk in remote areas through the National Women’s Upliftment Program. It will implement policy and structural reforms to ensure 33% female participation in executive-level positions in the public sector. Additionally, they will work on the social security and healthcare of senior citizens. As climate change, rapid urban growth, and overuse of underground water are causing traditional water sources to dry up, the government will run programs to build reservoirs for drinking water, recharge underground water, and restore water springs. It will also ensure clean drinking water is available to prisoners in jails and will repair and rebuild water systems damaged by natural disasters.
Additionally, the remaining peace process and transitional justice will be completed and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Disappeared Persons will be made fully functional. The government will work on providing free treatment to the injured, people with disabilities, and vulnerable people at government hospitals. A fund of Rs 100,000,000 has been allocated for investigating the incidents of armed conflict, as well as for relief and compensation.
Similarly, the budget has allocated funds to conduct awareness campaigns at the community level to prevent and control forest fires for environmental protection. Efforts will be made to accurately account for carbon credits generated through carbon emission reduction and prepare for their competitive sale in the international market. Considering the adverse impacts on melting mountains, drying glaciers, and the overall ecosystem, environmental protection programs will be implemented. Additionally, the government will actively advocate Nepal’s interests in international forums, following the principles of climate justice, as stated in the budget speech.