A Study on Social and Ecnomic Status of Lepchas of Fikkal VDC in Ilam District

Abstract

This project work has been prepared for the partial fulfillment of Master's degree required by the Tribhuwan University, Prithiwinarayan multiple campus, pokhara. The main objective of the study was to find out the social - Economical condition of Lepcha community of Fikkal VDC of Ilam District.

The specific objectives were: to identify the economic condition of Lepchas, to explore the social and economic condition of Lepcha and to measure the overall condition of Lepchas. This study has made an attempt to prove the questions associated with the perception and experience of Lepchas. In the course of this study, 30 households of Lepchas totally are selected for the interview. For the consistency and reliability of this study, triangulation method was adopted. The observation at home and concerned persons of their society were considered during the study period. The study has found that, the literacy percentage is at low level in Lepcha community. 26.8% Lepcha leaves the schools after primary level, hardly 12.2% Lepcha reached in lower secondary level and approximately 4.8% Lepcha reached secondary and campus level. Among the Lepcha, 23% totally believes on Dhami / Jhankri. In Lepcha community early marriage system is still in prevailing condition 76.6% Lepcha marriage at the age of under 20 years. Only 7% male Lepcha has adopted family planning where as 43% female Lepcha were found adopting temporary and permanent type of planning. They have no skill and knowledge about modern type of farming; they should have need vocational trainings. 50% Lepcha are depending in agriculture, 50% holds small size of land and 76% are suffering from hands to mouth problem.

Finally, to uplift the socio - economic condition or overall development of Lepcha, the findings of the study has made recommendation that, it is necessary to launched separate types of package program in Lepcha community.