Key Takeaways:

• Free education and housing up to Grade 12 for flood-orphaned children
• Decision taken at Council of Ministers meeting chaired by CM Kiran Thapa
• Disaster fund rules amended to allow direct transfers to districts/local levels
• Cabinet also approved temporary staffing for Industry, Tourism, Labour and Transport Ministry

HETAUDA, SEPTEMBER 4 The Bagmati Province government has decided to provide free education and accommodation up to Grade 12 to children who lost their parents in the devastating Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa. The decision was taken at a provincial Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Chief Minister Kiran Thapa on Thursday. Provincial government spokesperson and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Bharat KC said the province would take responsibility for the education and accommodation of orphaned children at government schools. The move aims to ensure protection and continuity of education for children affected by the disaster. The meeting also decided to amend procedures governing the Provincial Disaster Management Fund to expedite relief, rescue and rehabilitation. Previously, funds had to be transferred to district disaster management funds before use, creating delays. Under the amended provision, funds can now be transferred directly to district and local levels based on need, enabling quicker mobilisation of resources. The Cabinet additionally approved temporary staffing positions for the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Labour, Employment and Transport.