Changing Occupational Pattern and Expectation of Blacksmith (Kami) (A Study of Batulechour-16, Pokhara Municipality, Kaski)

Abstract

This is a socio-economic study of the Blacksmiths (Kami) of Batulechour-16, Pokhara, Kaski. The main objective of this study was to find out the patterns of occupational shift among the Kamis. Its specific objective was to study the changing pattern and occupational preferences, factors for shift in their occupation,expectation from the society and the state and understand the socio economic profile of the Blacksmith. In the caste hierarchy, Blacksmiths are located in bottom level. Since the ancient period they are treated as subaltern group. The total population of ward no. 16 is 10,068 in 2496 households, among these 100 households are of Blacksmiths. The study is done within the 60 households.Education of the Blacksmiths is found to be very low as 11.67% respondents are found to be having education level of SLC or above.The majority reported that the household head’s main occupation is foreign employmenti.e 30%.Almost they were migrated from the rural villages, which are economically sound.Most respondents hold very small piece of land. Due to this, they were compelled to seek an alternative job for the fulfillment of the family requirements. The main crops grown in the study area are Paddy, Maize, Millet, Wheat, Barley, Potato etc in accordance with the land holding pattern, the case seem that the people suffer from food deficit.Only 2 (3%) household can meet their food requirement for more than 9 months from their own production.Out of total,76.67 % Blacksmiths lives in nuclear family and due to this,they bears little idea concerning towards the traditional occupation.Regarding health and sanitation, all family has toilets and among them, 55 % have permanent/modern toilets and 45% have temporary or simple toilets. Traditionally, the Blacksmiths were employed in iron related work.Out of total,78.33% respondents had reported that no one from their family is involved in the traditional occupation. Out of 66.67% of the respondents had reported that they do not know the traditional skills. Around 43.75%of the respondents had reported that the continuation of own occupation will help for self-dependency and to the communal identity.Most respondents(60%)prefer new occupation for the higher earning or more income.The trend of leaving the traditional occupation is very high as 58.33% respondents reported either their grandfather or father was involved in the traditional occupation.Among the preferred new occupation,joining v the Army (25%) is very high among the respondents.The factors for adopting new occupation includes raising their social status, inability to meet their family requirement, lack of equal right and opportunities, industrialization ,modernization, globalization, commercialization and even migration. The traditional skill is getting disappearing as 18 (30%) respondents reported it. The main causes being the influence of industrialization (16.67%)and modernization and low income i.e. 16.67%.Most respondents (75%) still experience the caste based discrimination especially women. The one that were employed abroad do not experience any caste based discriminations. The one who left their traditional occupation were satisfied with the new occupation. The traditional occupation isgetting unpopular and main reason is very less income (43.34%), it may be due to impossibility of the availability of local resources like coal and other requirements which make them unable to meet the basic needs of the family. In regard to expectation from the society,25% respondents suggested that maintaining equitable job opportunities and other public facilities and 25 % favoured in abolishing discrimination and untouchability. In regard to role of the state for uplifting theblacksmiths, 20% respondents blame the government is responsible for caste based discrimination and 18.33% blamed the low level of literacy rate and sharply declining education level among them. Blacksmith in traditional occupation have poor socio-economic condition and are far behind from the access to the social services and exploited through wages.Caste based occupation is perceived lower grade work so they are excluded and there isno proper social respect to their profession although they have equal contribution in the development. Blacksmiths who are in other occupation have different experiences. There is no special political agenda to uplift them and encourage for their occupational development and livelihood. They should be encouraged and such unhealthy and ill practices should be discouraged. They have all the rights to enjoy the available facilities and prejudices against them should be removed. All and every sector the access should be improved by government and community side targeting to their livelihood condition.