The government has released Rs 48.58 lakh to cover immediate expenses for people injured during the GenZ movement.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population’s initial report, each injured person will receive Rs 20,000. In the first phase, the funds have been sent to nine districts: Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kaski, Surkhet, Kailali, and Dadeldhura, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
The Cabinet had decided on September 28 to provide this immediate support while a technical committee classifies injured people to arrange further assistance based on the severity of their injuries. So far, the Health Ministry has shared details of 2,429 injured people with the Home Ministry.
During the protests on September 8 and 9, identity cards were also issued to ensure injured people received quick and proper treatment. The Home Ministry sent 2,876 identity cards to district administration offices, and 38 cards were distributed directly from hospitals.
Special “Gen-Z clinics” have been set up in hospitals to provide follow-up treatment for the injured. Free transportation is being arranged for those who need to return for treatment. A dedicated hotline and contact persons have also been set up to assist the injured.
A technical committee, including representatives of the injured, will classify patients to make sure they get appropriate support. The government is providing free treatment for all injured, and the Health Ministry says over Rs 1 billion has already been spent on medical care.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki personally met with a Health Ministry team last Thursday to check on the situation and ensure no patient is left without treatment. The Cabinet had already decided on September 16 to provide free medical care for all injured in the movement. Officials are also discussing long-term rehabilitation for victims.
Support for Families of the Deceased
The government has also sent financial aid to families of 53 people who died during the protests. Each family received Rs 15 lakh, which includes Rs 10 lakh for support and Rs 5 lakh for funeral expenses. So far, 49 families have received the money, and four are still in process.
The Cabinet had decided that this support would not be provided to prisoners who died while trying to escape during the protests. Free transport, including helicopters in remote areas, was arranged to deliver the bodies to families. For example, six bodies were sent to families in Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, Siraha, Sunsari, and Udayapur via helicopter.
A national mourning day was observed on September 17 to honor the martyrs. Public holidays were declared, and the national flag was flown at half-mast.
The government also plans to build a “GenZ Awakening Memorial Park” in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the movement. The Ministry of Urban Development is handling the project.
How many died in total in GenZ movement?
Out of 76 deaths during the protests:
- 10 prisoners died from gunfire while trying to escape, along with one foreign national.
- 53 identities have been confirmed, including three from the police.
- 12 people’s identities are still unknown.
To investigate the violence and damages during the movement, the government has set up a judicial commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
