Socio-Economic Status of Freed Bonded Labour (Mukta Kamaiya) in Nepal (A Case Study in Rajapur-4, Bardiya District)

Abstract

The present study attempts to explain the "Socio-Economic status of Mukta Kamaiya" analysis. The status of Mukta Kamaiya in Rajapur VDC of Bardiya district. Rajapur area almost at the centre of river island called Bhawara Tappu of Karnali River. The VDC comprised of 9 wards. After freedom Mukta Kamaiya come from different villages at Rajapur VDC's camp. Rajapur VDC lies east of Manpur Tapra, west of Karnali river, south of Bhimmapur and north of Tedhiya Gaun. Rajapur VDC ward no 4 there is 638 households of the Mukta Kamiya in among this households 99 households are taken as a sample to collect the required information. The main objective of this research is : To study and analyze status of Mukta Kamiya. To find out the socio-demographic status of Mukta Kamaiya. To describe the landholding size and annual income-expenditure pattern of Mukta Kamaiya's. To analyze the religion, family structure and marriage system of Mukta Kamaiya.

Basically, the study is based on descriptive as well as exploratory. Descriptive research is design is used together information explorary research. Research design is use for collecting information with respondents' view and ideas. This research is based on both primary and secondary data which are collected from field survey, observation and interview. Primary data has been directly obtained from field survey. Secondary data collect from unpublished documents and published documents. Kamaiya system is the bonded labour system that used to prevail in the rural economy of western Tarai of Nepal. Kamaiya used to enter into contract with landlord (Jamindar) verbally for one year, but usually gets trapped in the debt called 'Saunki' to fulfill their family's basic needs, and become bonded labourer for generations. Kamaiya freedom was announced on 17July 2000, and was made illegal in the country by "Kamaiya Labour (Prohibition) Act 2002". The rehabilitation of Mukta Kamaiya is still not completed after more than one decade. They are one of the socio-economically most disadvantaged people. This study assesses the socio-economic status of freed-bonded labourer (Mukta Kamaiya) and also analyzes the effect of Kamaiya freedom on farm management of landlords (Jamindars). A survey was carried out in 99 households of Rajapur VDC of Bardiya district. Due to the extremely small size of land ((3-5 kattha), many Mukta Kamaiyas are drawn into a daily labouring work. Wage labouring is the basic livelihood strategy that employed 66.7% of households and contributed 32% of total annual income. In spite of several skill development trainings delivered to them, overwhelmingly large number of household are involved in unskilled wage labouring. It is due to the less utilization of technical skill trainings. The second most important source of income is farming that contributed 67% of the total annual income. Kamlahri form of child labouring is still prevailing in Mukta Kamaiya. It was found that 6% of households are sending their children as Kamlahri. After the prohibition of Kamaiya system, Jamindars are managing their farming basically through share cropping. The animal power based farming is gradually substituted by farm machineries due to the decreased livestock size and labour shortage. According to Jamindar, yield of major crops (rice, wheat and maize) has not increased much due to inadequate management. Physical infrastructure development, skill enhancement and educational support should be continued. This study suggests the creation of awareness by Mukta Kamaiya to deal with the root causes of this problem. Long term educational programme is necessary for the returned and rescued Kamaiya.