KATHMANDU: Janata Samajwadi Party leader and Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, has said that the incumbent government will advance the process of constitutional amendment based on national needs.
Speaking to RSS correspondent Sushil Darnal in an interview, Minister Sudi stated that the amendment would be pursued in line with the aspirations and requirements of all classes, regions, and communities.
Referring to widespread public opinion, he said, “Everyone wants the constitution to be amended. However, this is not just a demand of one political party. It is a collective demand of all classes and ethnic groups. The current government has a clear stance that the constitution must be amended. We hope the government will move forward with this agenda soon. I have been emphasizing that the constitution should be revised to reflect the aspirations of the people.”
Asked about key achievements of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens over the past year, Minister Sudi said the ministry is prioritizing accessible, quality, and reliable service delivery, aligning with government policies and programs.
He highlighted significant progress in areas including juvenile reform centers, the Social Welfare Council, and the National Child Rights Council. He added that issues concerning persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, legislative development, monitoring and regulation, and coordination at national and international levels fall under the ministry’s scope.
Minister Sudi acknowledged that transforming society and culture remains a major challenge in building a civilized society rooted in women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and equality.
He emphasized the importance of collective efforts from all three tiers of government and development partners in creating such a society—one that respects and upholds the identity and rights of children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and gender and sexual minorities.
In response to a question about reforming children’s homes, the minister said maintenance and repair works at four children’s homes—in Bhaktapur, Morang, Kaski, and Banke—have been completed. He added that the government would operate these homes through UCEP Nepal in the current fiscal year.
Additionally, he shared that the construction of a children’s home building at Dhakaltar in Tanahun is in its final stage following the awarding of a multi-year contract.
Regarding the free air rescue of pregnant women from remote districts, Minister Sudi clarified that the process is not complex. In general, only a photocopy of the citizenship certificate, a referral letter from a local health institution, and a recommendation from the local level are required for helicopter evacuation of pregnant or postpartum women. He added that services are being provided through ambulances and helicopters as needed.
Minister Sudi also informed that foreign aid amounting to Rs 61.97 billion has been approved through the Social Welfare Council to be implemented by various organizations. He noted that the activities of social organizations have become more transparent in recent days.
Based on the recommendation of the Project Facilitation Committee for INGOs, the Council signed 50 project agreements and 28 general agreements. However, he acknowledged that ensuring transparency in the activities of social organizations remains a challenge.
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