Nepal nears declaration of street children-free nation: Minister Sudi

KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, has announced that Nepal is in the final phase of declaring the country free from street children.

Speaking at a press conference organized on the occasion of completing 100 days in office on Thursday at Singha Durbar, Minister Sudi shared key developments under the ministry’s efforts.

He informed that a special directive titled Street Children Special Protection Guidelines 2082 has already been approved to support the campaign.

According to the minister, 6,590 missing children were traced, with 5,831 successfully reunited with their families.

Additionally, 383 abandoned children were rescued, bringing the total number of children restored through family reunification and reintegration to 6,214.

Minister Sudi also revealed that 71 Nepali children found in child welfare homes across various locations in India were repatriated and reintegrated with their families in Nepal.

Furthermore, 591 children at risk were rescued, and 204 street children received support, protection, and rehabilitation services.

The ministry has also drafted the Implementation Plan for the National Child Policy 2080, aiming to strengthen the long-term protection and development of children across the nation.

In terms of financial performance, Minister Sudi stated that out of the ministry’s total allocated budget of Rs 1.3 billion for the last fiscal year, Rs 653.6 million was spent, achieving 50.16% budget utilization.