Surkhet, July 9 -- Karnali Province's flagship social protection programme, 'Bank Account for Every Daughter, Lifetime Security', has been left in limbo after the provincial government omitted it from its budget for the coming fiscal year.

The move has cast uncertainty over the future of more than 11,000 girls enrolled in the scheme. Although the programme formally remains in place, the government has not deposited money into beneficiaries' accounts for the past four years.

Launched in the fiscal year 2019-20, the programme aimed to promote gender equality, discourage child marriage and support girls' education by providing long-term financial security from birth.

Under the scheme, the provincial government transferred funds to local g...