Nepal Government Forms High-Level Committee to Address Gen-Z Movement Victims' Demands

In a significant move towards fostering social harmony and addressing past grievances, the Government of Nepal has officially initiated the work of a special coordination committee. This committee has been specifically constituted to address the demands of the families of those martyred and injured during the 'Gen-Z Movement,' which took place on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 BS. The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that the committee has already convened its inaugural meeting, signaling a proactive approach to resolving these sensitive issues.

The newly formed body, officially named the 'Gen-Z Agreement and Integrated Package Implementation Coordination and Facilitation Committee,' is spearheaded by Joint Secretary Hemraj Aryal of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' Office. Its primary mandate is to ensure the effective implementation and coordination of agreements reached between the government and the representatives of the Gen-Z movement on Mangsir 24, 2082 BS. Furthermore, the committee is tasked with operationalizing the 'Integrated Package for Coordinated Rehabilitation, Livelihood, and Social Protection for Gen-Z Movement Martyr Families and Injured,' which received cabinet approval on Ashar 18, 2083 BS.

The committee's responsibilities are comprehensive, encompassing the review of implementation progress for this integrated package and fostering robust inter-ministerial coordination. Crucially, it will serve as a direct 'contact point' for the affected families, streamlining communication and support. The package itself outlines provisions for critical areas such as education, healthcare, and employment for the affected families, and the committee will facilitate their implementation across various government agencies.

Recognizing the potential for practical challenges or policy complexities during the implementation phase, the committee is empowered to identify necessary reforms and propose concrete recommendations to relevant bodies. This proactive problem-solving approach is vital for ensuring the package's success and the timely delivery of support. To enhance transparency and leverage expertise, the committee is authorized to invite representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as subject matter experts, for discussions and meetings as needed.

The composition of the committee underscores its high-level nature, including joint secretary-level representatives from seven key ministries, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Importantly, it also integrates representatives from the 'Gen-Z Martyr Family Welfare Society' and 'Injured Gen-Z Nepal,' ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the affected communities are directly heard and considered. Basudev Khanal, Head of the Provincial Coordination, National Security, and Diplomatic Affairs Branch (Under Secretary) at the Prime Minister's Office, has been appointed as the Member Secretary. This structured and inclusive approach is expected to ensure that the committee's work is focused on the broader welfare of the martyr families and the injured, contributing to social stability and a more predictable policy environment, which are indirect but significant factors for investor confidence in the long run.