KATHMANDU: The Karnali provincial government has prioritized social welfare and inclusive development in its recently introduced budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27, with a focus on empowering disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
The provincial government recently unveiled annual estimates of income and expenditure of Rs 35.39 billion in the meeting of the province assembly.
Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Rajiv Bikram Shah stated that the provincial government would strengthen social security and protection programmes while promoting gender equality, social inclusion and human rights.
The budget, according to Minister Shah, lays special emphasis on Dalits, minorities, women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income communities.
The provincial government has allocated Rs 120 million for the ‘Chief Minister Dalit Income Generation Programme’ to improve livelihoods and social status of the Dalit community through skill enhancement, modernization and commercialization of traditional occupations, appraised Shah.
Budgets have also been set aside for skills and employment-oriented training and technology transfer targeting women, gender and sexual minorities as well as endangered and marginalized communities including the Raute, he added.
Furthermore, a budget of Rs 10 million has been allocated for a disability partnership programme focused on prevention and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the Minister informed that support for short-term service centres assisting women and children affected by gender-based violence will continue, alongside grants for long-term rehabilitation.
According to Minister Shah, programmes have been launched for skills development, shelter management and livelihood support targeting survivors of violence, single women, conflict victims and mothers living in temporary shelters to support their children’s education.
The provincial government has also pledged continued support for child protection, elderly care and programmes aimed at integrating the endangered Raute community while preserving its cultural identity.
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