Govt to take care of double orphans

KATHMANDU, July 29: Stories of 121 orphan children are unlike others. They lost both their parents during the decade-long conflict. Relief and Rehabilitation Unit under the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction has allocated Rs 7.6 million to pay each of 121 children Rs 5,000 a month as part of a relief package named Rehabilitation Program for Double Orphans, 2011.



The authorities say that this package will help sparkle the lives of such children. [break]



"The objective behind the government decision to provide the relief to conflict-affected children, who have lost both their parents during the conflict is to ease their lives," said Peace and Reconstruction Secretary, Dhurba Sharma. "Government´s support will not only ensure a better life for such children but also help prevent them from going astray due to lack of proper education and good schooling."



According to the government decision, each identified orphan who lost both father and mother during the armed-conflict for any reason will be given Rs 5,000 per month for their personal expenses until they reach 18.



The Rehabilitation Committee led by Chief District Officer has been formed in each district to oversee whether the relief package is being properly utilized or not. ´The committee will identify the children and will monitor the relief package and will send the detailed report to the unit,´ Ganesh Prasad Upadhyaya, acting department chief at Relief and Rehabilitation unit under the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction (MoPR), said.



The rehabilitation committee selects a patron for each orphan and a bank account is opened.



´Afterwards, the local monitoring committee will again report the Rehabilitation committee if the identified orphans are given proper care including medical facilities, hygiene, nutrition, stationary costs, and clothing among others,´ added Upadhyaya.



He also added that the orphans who lost both their parents will get double benefits - Rs 5,000 and free education - but the child who has lost only of his parents will get free education only.



Among 121 orphans identified, 3 are from Khotang, 2 are from Sangja, 2 are from Gorkha, 1 is from Dolpa, 5 are from Dang, 3 are Kailali whereas 105 are from the Rolpa district alone.



According to the unit, another 121 orphans have been identified in the second phase of study. But the government plans to provide with the relief package to 500 children next year. The government had allocated Rs 1 crore for the first phase program under which Rs 7.6 million has been spent and that includes the administrative expenses.

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