Role of Poverty Alleviation Fund in Changingsocio-Economic Status of Magar Community (A Case Study of Manebhanjyang RM Ward No9ofOkhaldhunga District)

Abstract

Poverty is a multi-dimensional and complex problem. The causes of poverty by analyzingdifferent aspects of income and human poverty are not only economic but also social andtechnological backwardness too. One of the main causes of poverty is low economic growth rate.The stock taking of economic achievement of last three decades shows a lower economic growthrate of approximately 4 percent while annual population growth rate was about1.35percent.The per capita income growth rate at a very low level could not contribute to mitigate povertysignificantly.This research is conductedon the role of PAF program inManebhanjyang RM,Ward No 9 Okhaldhunga District. The main objectives of this studyare to know the impact ofPAF in local development process. However, other specific objectives are;analyze the socio-economic condition of Magar community including its role in changing social and economicstatus in Manebhanjyang RM WardNo 9. This study basically follows exploratory research design. Out of 500 HHs inManevanjyang RM,only 50 HHsof Magar communitywere selected withbothpurposiveandrandom sampling. In addition to sampling administration, key informant survey and focusedgroup discussion were implemented as the part of data and information collection. The study has found that the PAF programs have been instrumental to uplift thedisadvantage, disable, women, Janajati byempowering them through income generation, socialmobilization and capacity building. The study has found that the PAF programs have laid significant progress in attainingeducation for children, ending social maladies, establishing social control and security,promoting social rights and justice, ensuring community participation, raising the level ofawareness, ending social stratification, raising self esteem, and promoting social mobilization. Also, the study has found that thePAF programs have resulted in generating employmentopportunities, ensuring regular income sources, promoting cooperative development, andpropelling the use of local technology. The PAF programs hence are found to be instrumental in uplifting the socio-economicstatus of the people as the socio-economic condition of the people is improving as compared totheir past because of various socio-economic upliftment programs implemented by PAF. Variousimprovements like employment generation, reduction in poverty level, increasing level ofawareness, Self-confidence, community development, capacity development, social-mobilizationetc.have been found rooting in the Magar community.