Socio-Economic Status of The Tharu Freed Kamaiyas A Case Study of Dhangadhi Municipality, Kailali District, Nepal

Abstract

The study on "Socio-economic Status of the Tharu Freed Kamaiyas" was carried out from August to September 2011 at Himmatpur (Manahera), Dhangadhi Municipality ward no. 12, Kailali District, Nepal, with focusing on analyzing the present socio- economic conditions and identifying their real problems after their freedom. This study is based on qualitative and quantitative information. The tools, like In-depth Interviews, Observations, Focus Group Discussions were used for the purpose of collection of primary data for the study. Published and unpublished theses, books, research reports and newspaper etc. were also used as secondary sources. According to the District Land Reform Office, there were total 438 HHs of Tharu Feed Kamaiyas in Dhangadhi Municipality and out of them 273 red cards holder HHs were resettled in survey area. The sample has been taken from the red cards holder HHs of the Tharu Freed Kamaiyas. Out of them 61 HHs were selected as samples by the simple random sampling method without replacement and with lottery method. The socio-economic condition of Tharu Freed Kamaiyas is found very poor. It is found that the literacy rate of these Freed Kamaiyas is very low due to poor economic condition and ignorance of the importance of the education. Almost all the respondents are found illiterate and all are from male population. The educational condition of female is found poor than male. Low level of income, insufficient land holding size, lack of good skill except agriculture and other opportunities in earning income are main causes of poor economic condition. VIII For the socio-economic improvement of Tharu Freed Kamaiyas, additional policy options must be formulated and implemented. The action should be taken to identity the real Tharu Freed Kamaiyas and the identity card, land and other facilities should be provided to the unidentified Kamaiyas, and unsettled Freed Kamaiyas should be settled. Most of the Freed Kamaiyas have been employed as agriculture and construction labor. They should be encouraged to be unionized in the trade union, which will help them to improve their socio-economic condition. Similarly, the trainings in different practical fields given to Tharu Freed Kamaiyas are insufficient and even if they are trained, due to the lack of opportunity, they remain jobless. Thus they should be trained and given financial support by loans etc. with lower interest rate so that they can run their own business and become independent economically. The Tharu Freed Kamaiya also must be united and organized in order to move forward. They must internalize and accommodate the positive help given and efforts made by others. That will be important for the achievement of social solidarity. There is a need for one committee of the Tharu CA members to benefit Tharu Freed Kamaiyas. Despite the efforts of various NGOs, INGOs, political parties and the government as well, Tharu Freed Kamaiya people have not been able to raise their livelihood. Therefore, it is recommended that they should have right to the natural resources, economic developments and also right to land to be included in the new constitution. Similarly, special legislative protection should be given to Tharu Freed Kamaiya against any criminal offences towards them, as a form of positive discriminations