Karnali govt to launch ‘Street People Free Province’

By Rajani Yogi,Bulbule, Sept. 22: The Karnali Province government has allocated Rs. 15 million for the construction of essential infrastructure at the Manav Sewa Ashram in Surkhet this fiscal year. 

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader programme to implement Street People Free Province, aimed at promoting social welfare and humanitarian services.

Minister for Social Development, Ghanshyam Bhandari, informed that the provincial government would provide the necessary support for the ashram’s work to promote humanity. 

“This fiscal year, Rs. 15 million has been set aside and additional assistance will be provided based on the requirements,” he said. 

The province has previously allocated funds for the ashram’s infrastructure, with Rs. 10 million set aside last year.

 Local authorities and other organisations have also provided financial assistance.

Birendranagar Municipality, which has been supporting the ashram socially and financially over the years, has again allocated Rs. 15 million this fiscal year for the construction of the infrastructure. 

Mayor Mohanmaya Dhakal confirmed that the municipality would oversee the construction work and start the project alongside the provincial government’s support.

Surkhet district coordinator for the Manav Sewa Ashram, Sujan Gautam, said that the ashram is constructing a new building at Charkune, ward-11 of Birendranagar. 

The facility will provide shelter and meals for people under the initiative. Currently, a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared, and construction has officially begun after acquiring 14 katthas of land in Charakune.

The ashram recently raised Rs. 97.6 million by organising Maha Yagya, a grand religious ceremony held in Birendranagar. The donations collected from the programme will help to support the new infrastructure.