Nepal’s interim PM Sushila Karki announces Rs 15,00,000 of relief package for Gen Z protest martyrs, know other provisions by govt

Nepal Temporary PM Sushila Carki

After Nepal’s most intense youth uprising, the government announced a aid package for the families of those who lost their lives during the Genu Movement. The decision, at a cabinet meeting on Monday, confirmed that House and Law Minister Om Prakash Aryal and each martyr family will receive 1.5 million RS in total compensation. This includes 1 million RS directly financial support and 500,000 rupees to cover funeral and logistics costs.

26 Gen Z protests, which exploded on 8 and 9 September after a controversial government ban on the social media platform, rapidly turned into unrest throughout the country. What began as peaceful demonstrations against censorship and corruption turned to violence and led Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.

The protests claimed that there were 72 lives, including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners and three police officers, and more than 1,300 people were injured. As of now, 283 people continue to be hospitalized throughout the country.

Minister Aryal said that compensation will be distributed through the Ministry of Finance coordinated by the Ministry of Home Ministry or the relevant regional management offices. In addition to financial assistance, the government will provide free medical treatment to all wounded individuals.

For those who died during protests, access to their hometowns, including helicopter services for remote areas, will be organized. The state will also help burning ceremonies. The Gen Z movement is widely recognized as a turning point in the political landscape of Nepal. Due to the disappointment of corruption, favoritism and lack of economic opportunities, the protests were largely organized by young Nepalis under 30 years of age, and most of them were coordinated through platforms such as Instagram and Discord. The decentralized leadership of the movement and the rejection of traditional party relations showed an important separation from the previous uprisings.

In response to public edition, Nepal’s former chief justice Sushila Carki was appointed as a temporary prime minister on September 14 and became the first woman to assume the task of the country. At the first national address, Karki declared those killed in the protests as a martyr and promised to protect justice and accountability.

When Nepal began to get rid of chaos, the government’s aid measures point to a step towards compromise, but deeper demands for systemic reform were not solved.