Kathmandu, Sep 16: In the wake of Nepal’s largest youth-led uprising, the government has announced a relief package for families of those who died during the Gen Z protests. The Cabinet on Monday approved compensation of Rs 1.5 million per family, which includes Rs 1 million in direct financial support and Rs 500,000 to cover funeral and logistical expenses, Home and Law Minister Om Prakash Aryal confirmed.
The Gen Z protests, which erupted on September 8–9 following a government ban on 26 social media platforms, quickly escalated from peaceful demonstrations against censorship and corruption into nationwide unrest. The unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, leaving 72 people dead — including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners, and three police officers — and more than 1,300 injured. Currently, 283 individuals remain hospitalized.
Minister Aryal stated that the compensation will be distributed via the Ministry of Finance, coordinated through either the Home Ministry or district administration offices. Injured individuals will receive free medical treatment, while families of the deceased will be provided transportation to hometowns, including helicopter services for remote areas, and assistance with cremation ceremonies.
The movement, largely organised by Nepalis under 30 via platforms like Instagram and Discord, has been hailed as a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape. Its decentralised leadership and rejection of traditional party politics marked a departure from earlier uprisings.
In response to public pressure, Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, was appointed interim Prime Minister on September 14, becoming the country’s first woman to hold the post. In her first address, Karki declared all those killed as martyrs and pledged to uphold justice and accountability.
While the relief measures signal the government’s commitment to reconciliation, calls for systemic reform and accountability remain unresolved as Nepal begins its recovery from the unrest.