KOSHISH in collaboration with the National Federation of Disabled Nepal organized a virtual interaction program on “Budget of FY 2078/79 and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nepal”. Mr. Krishna Prasad Parajuli, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Mr. Ghanashyam Bhusal, Undersecretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA), Dr. Uttam Ghimire from Leprosy Control Division and Disability Management Section and Mr. Narad Dhamala from the Inclusive Education Section shared their presentations regarding the amounts and programs allocated and designed for Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) in the fiscal year 2078/79. Representatives from more than 25 OPDs participated in the event.
The event intended to promote disability-inclusive budget planning and allocation in Nepal which eventually would result in eliminating duplication of programs and enhance the budget utilization of OPDs. Suggestions and recommendations were received from the respective governmental bodies on increasing the access of OPD’s to the budget at all 3 levels. The program was able to draw suggestions and key commitments to foster inclusion and promote disability-inclusive budget planning in Nepal.
Mr. Parajuli from MOwCSC expressed his commitments to foster participatory budget planning and program allocation. Mr. Dhamala from Inclusive Education Section urged OPDs to continue their advocacy and he promised that IEC will do all to support the student with disabilities for their growth and development. Dr. Uttam Ghimire from LCDMS appreciated the event and expressed his commitment to supporting the cause led by various OPDs. He also urged OPDs to follow all legal compliances as per the government of Nepal while seeking funding support. Mr. Ghanashyam Bhusal conveyed his commitment to ensuring the participation of persons with disabilities and their represented organizations in events organized by MOFAGA. Beyond that, he also expressed to discuss this issue of inclusion and participation at the organizational level. This event was moderated by Mr. Mitralal Sharma, Central president of the National Federation of the Disabled – Nepal. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the presenters of the program and all the participating OPD representatives. He further expressed the commitment of NFDN to raise the issue of disability-inclusive budget planning and implementation. Executive director of KOSHISH Mr. Matrika Devkota also expressed his gratitude to the government officials for their comprehensive sharing and suggestions. He also shared the passion for the cause and importance of disability-inclusive budget planning and allocation in the longer run to fully protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in Nepal.