The Freed Kamlaris Rehabilitation Movement
In the year 2066/67, when the government allocated a budget of Rs. 12 crore for the rehabilitation of the rescued girls, it was a moment of great pride and joy, not only for the thousands of girls who were victims of child slavery, but equally so for all the organizations who were actively fighting to bring an end to this system. The allocation of the budget from the government was largely the result of the intensive campaign and lobbying from the side of Friends of Needy Children and Nepal Youth Foundation. Unfortunately, all the hope and joy soon faded away when the implementing agency: the Department of Education, failed to release even 20% of the allocated budget that year.
The same story is repeating this year. The government has allocated an even bigger budget of Rs. 16 crore, selling greater dreams and greater hopes to the innocent victims, but yet again, not even 20% of the money has reached the hands of the girls.
This downright absence of commitment and attention on the part of the government line agencies and bureaucrats has left more than 7 thousand freed kamlaris, who are going to school, in a state of turmoil and vulnerability. Even in two years time the Department of Education has failed to come up with a Guideline for the Scholarship distribution process. As a result, more than 2 thousand girls have already dropped out of school and more girls are on the verge of dropping out if the situation remains as same.
Hence, in collaboration with like minded orgainzations, FNC/NYF have initiated yet another movement through the Freed Kamlaris Development Forum (FKDF), an organization established by the former victims of Kamlari themselves.
A group of 30 freed Kamlari girls are now in Kathmandu with full commitment and drive to lead this crucial movement. The action plan includes press conference and delegations to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Education, the Home Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Department of Education, and leaders of concerned committees during which the FKDF will submit the delegation paper clearly stating their needs and demands. The purpose of this whole movement is to create immense pressure on the government for the immediate release of the budget as well as release of the Kamlari rehabilitation guideline which will ensure that the allocated budget reaches the hands of the girls and justice is done.
