Impact study on Re-Settlement and Livelihood Development Program for Abolished Kamaiya (A Case Study of Rajapur Delta, Bardiya District)

Abstract

The Kamaiya system, which was the residue of the slave system, remains prevalent in the agricultural sector in Nepal. In particular, this system was found in some six districts of Terai of the mid and far Western Development Regions of Nepal. In July 17, 2000, Government of Nepal took a historical and bold stride by announcing complete liberation to all Kamaiyas from their age-old bondage relation. Thus the practice of bonded labour system has been declared illegal. The study on “Impact study on Re-Settlement and Livelihood Development Program for Abolished Kamaiya” was conducted in Rajapur Delta 11VDC of Bardiya district during the months of Sept-Oct of 2006.

The main objectives of the study were. To identify the housing and current settlement pattern of freed Kamaiya. To determine the Livelihood Development Program for these Kamaiyas. To assess the economic conditions (property, Wealth, income, occupation and the likes) of the Kamaiyas. To find out the recommendation for Poverty reduction and re-settlement of Kamaiya.

Both exploratory and descriptive research design were chosen for this study. Both primary and secondary data were collected through various sociological tools and techniques such as questionnaires, observation, focus group discussions. Randomly 116 Kamaiyas’ households from 35 resettlement camps of 6 VDC of Rajapur delta was selected as sample. The data were analyzed using simple frequency table and cross tables. Computer software programme is used for data analysis.

From the study it was found that before liberation most of the Kamaiya families used to live in joint family but now they live in nuclear family. Before the liberation they were deprived from the educational opportunity but now they have started to send their children to school and even they go to the literacy classes. The accepted land to freed Kamaiyas is not as enough as it can sustain their life from its own agricultural products. Government has been providing funds in low interest rate to fulfill the required money for their income generating professions. In terms of agricultural input like fertilizer, improved seeds, pesticides, the adoptive level of freed Kamaiyas has not been encouraging. The government has been also providing funds under the Kamaiya Tatha Britti Bikash Kryakram and timber per family in order to construct house to ex-Kamaiyas receiving red card. The support providing to them is not sufficient to build houses according to their family size. Awareness of health and sanitation in Kamaiyas’ family is now better then before.

After the liberation Kamaiyas of the study are in much better condition then in past. However, the conditions are not so much convincing. Without proper homework and planning Kamaiyas are still landless and jobless facing hands to mouth problem