Rastriya Swatantra Party Lawmakers Demand Increased Budget for Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Social Security
Members of the House of Representatives have exerted pressure on the government to increase the budget allocated to the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security. MP Rima Bishwakarma expressed concern that the ministry’s total budget is less than one percent, calling this a distressing issue and emphasizing the urgent need for an increase. MP Shobha Khanal proposed that the government allocate a separate budget for children affected by autism and victims of sexual violence. Kathmandu, May 22.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have demanded that the government increase the budget for the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security. The members put forth this demand during the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Women and Social Affairs held on Friday. MPs from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, including Rima Bishwakarma and Shobha Khanal, urged the government to expand the budget for the ministry in the upcoming fiscal year, citing its expanded jurisdiction.
MP Bishwakarma highlighted that the ministry, which is responsible for 51 percent of the population, currently receives less than one percent of the total budget, which she described as unfortunate. She clarified that the rise in incidents of violence against women necessitates an increase in the ministry’s budget. “Considering women constitute 51 percent of the population, why should we settle for 33 percent? That basic thinking is difficult to understand. We need to have a debate on this issue. Currently, I see the ministry receives less than one percent of the national budget, which does not reflect our demographic representation,” she stated.
MP Shobha Khanal suggested that the government allocate a separate budget to make programs for children with autism and victims of sexual violence more effective. “If there is a dedicated budget for children with autism and sexual violence victims, these programs will be more effective, and it will also help enhance rescue programs for pregnant women,” she said. Congress MP Rina Upreti appealed to the government to extend elderly care homes to the ward level. She argued that adequate senior citizen homes are needed locally to facilitate experience sharing with the younger generation. “Elderly care homes must be established at the ward level so that every ward has such facilities. There should be inclusive laws and provisions to prevent women from becoming victims,” she added.
