KATHMANDU: (Oct 21) The Nepali government has released Rs 4.858 million to cover emergency medical expenses for those injured during the Gen Z Movement protests, officials said on Tuesday.
Each injured person is receiving Rs 20,000 in immediate assistance, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. In the first phase, funds have been distributed to Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kaski, Surkhet, Kailali, and Dadeldhura, the Home Ministry confirmed.
The Cabinet had earlier decided, on September 28, to provide emergency financial aid based on injury classification, with additional relief to follow after a technical committee’s assessment.
So far, 2,429 injured individuals have been registered, and 2,876 ID cards have been issued to ensure access to free medical treatment. Dedicated Gen Z Clinics have been set up in government hospitals, providing free transport for follow-up visits. A hotline and local contact officers have also been designated to coordinate treatment.
The government has already spent over Rs 1 billion on free medical care for the injured. After reviewing the relief progress on Thursday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted treatment and adequate medical supplies.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said discussions are underway for the long-term rehabilitation of the injured.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided Rs 1.5 million each to families of 53 people who died during the movement — Rs 1 million as financial relief and Rs 500,000 for funeral expenses. Of these, 49 families have received payments, while four are still in process. The Cabinet approved the compensation plan on September 15.
Families of prisoners who died while attempting to escape during the unrest are not eligible for relief. However, at family requests, the government provided free transport for bodies, including helicopter services for six victims from Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, Siraha, Sunsari, and Udayapur.
A national day of mourning was observed on September 17, with a public holiday and flags lowered to half-mast.
In a symbolic move, the government has decided to construct a “Gen Z Awakening Memorial Park” in the Kathmandu Valley, to be led by the Urban Development Ministry.
The Gen Z Movement, which swept across Nepal earlier this year, left 76 people dead — including 53 civilians, 3 police personnel, 10 inmates, 1 foreign national, and 12 unidentified individuals.
For martyr recognition, the Home Ministry is cross-verifying names with police and district records. Meanwhile, a Judicial Inquiry Commission, headed by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, has begun investigating alleged human rights violations and the causes of the violence.