Only 38% of Insurance Claims Paid for Losses in Janjati Movement, What Causes the Delay?

A total of 3,390 individuals have filed insurance claims amounting to NPR 2.319 billion for losses incurred during the Janjati movement; however, only NPR 882 million has been paid out so far. Bhatbhateni has claimed NPR 800 million but has received only about NPR 250 million to date, while Hilton Hotel’s claim of NPR 500 million is still under litigation. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, delays in claim payments are due to surveyor assessments, document processing, and reinsurance procedures. (September 9, Kathmandu)

Despite a year having passed since the Janjati movement on September 9-10, 2025, policyholders affected have yet to receive full insurance compensation. Although property insured for the event totaled NPR 2.3 billion, only about NPR 900 million has been disbursed to claimants. The Nepal Insurance Authority reports that 3,390 individuals have sought compensation for losses incurred during the unrest.

To date, claims worth NPR 2.319 billion have been submitted. As of mid-July 2026, insurance companies have paid only NPR 882 million—equivalent to just 38% of the total claims. An official from the Insurance Authority clarified that it is not always possible to pay the full amount requested by claimants.

“Insurance companies process claims by assessing the damage after submission of claims, and there are cases where claims payments may be reduced or denied based on evaluation,” explained the official. The Janjati movement involved significant arson and vandalism to both government and private properties, resulting in an estimated total loss of about NPR 8.4 billion.