Kathmandu. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Council for Protection of Child Rights (NCCR) and the MIT Group Foundation Company headed by Shesh Ghale to protect the childhood and future of children who have lost their parents, disappeared and are in need of special protection due to the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods.

The MoU between the council and the company under the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security aims to support the family care, education and long-term protection of children affected by the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods. The MoU was signed by the council’s member-secretary Durga Prasad Chalise and company chairman Shesh Ghale.

For assistance, priority will be given to children under the age of 18 who have lost both or one parent or are missing and who are economically and socially at risk. Children will be helped to grow up in a safe family environment. Care through family and relatives will be prioritized, while institutional care will be considered as the last option.

An individual child education and welfare plan will be prepared after assessing the needs of each child. On the basis of this plan, education, educational materials, health and insurance, nutrition, livelihood, transportation and psychosocial support will be provided. According to the approved plan, necessary assistance will be provided to continue the education of children up to class 12.

The maximum limit of the budget to be provided by the company during the project period has been fixed at Rs 57.85 crore. The amount will be determined and allocated on the basis of proven needs and approved individual plans and not on the basis of a fixed grant to be provided automatically. Arrangements will also be made to ensure that there is no duplication of assistance by taking into account government scholarships and other assistance.

The identification and verification of beneficiaries will be done through the council at the facilitation of the local level. The council will take on the role of coordination, facilitation and child protection, while the MIT Group Foundation Company will provide financial and necessary technical support. Both sides will regularly monitor and review the educational progress, health, protection and utilization of support of children.

The MoU will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 years from the date of signing and may be renewed as and when necessary with the consent of both parties. The cooperation prioritizes the best interests of children, respect, safety, confidentiality and transparency and accountability of cooperation.