The Government of Nepal has officially unveiled the 'Ensuring Future Scholarship Scheme' (सुनिश्चित भविष्य छात्रवृत्ति योजना) with a total allocation of approximately NPR 1 billion. Announced by Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel on Monday, the initiative aims to guarantee uninterrupted education for children impacted by the recent Bhotekoshi river flooding.
The program targets around 1,000 students from Early Childhood Development (ECD) through Grade 12. Depending on individual requirements, the scheme provides full, partial, and residential scholarships along with essentials such as textbooks, uniforms, learning materials, housing, and meals.
Collaborative Implementation and Support
This initiative is a joint venture involving federal, provincial, and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and five umbrella organizations of private school operators. Minister Pokharel commended the proactive social responsibility shown by institutional and private schools during the crisis, adding that domestic and international support has strengthened government relief efforts.
Student selection will rely on field surveys and recommendations from local ward offices, municipal authorities, and school administrations. HISSAN President Yuvraj Sharma highlighted that the project will be sustained over the long term with backing from national and international partners, while PABSON President Krishna Prasad Adhikari affirmed the unified commitment of school networks.
Context of the Flood Crisis
The scholarship was introduced in response to the severe flooding on August 26 (Bhadra 10) along Rasuwa's Bhote Koshi River. The disaster affected 15 local levels across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Tanahun, all of which have been officially declared disaster-crisis zones by the government.
