Long-term strategies can help former bonded labourers transition to society.

It is well known that systems of bonded labour have persisted in Nepal even through the various democratic transitions that have occurred over the past sixty years. Particularly in the Mid- and Far West, members of lower-caste communities have been coerced into slave-like conditions when their families were unable to repay debts to local landowners. Since the 1990s, there have been various movements that have demanded that the state abolish such practices. In the 1990s, for example, the Kamaiya liberation movement gained momentum. Successive governments have banned such practices and have announced relief packages to enable former kamaiyas, haliyas and other groups to extricate themselves from bonded labour. However, the process has been slow and prolonged. Many problems have arisen in the implementation of efforts to end bonded labour. As a result, this process is still ongoing. Although ameliorated to a great extent, such systems have not been completely abolished.

A case in point is the situation of a number of former Haliyas in Dadeldhura. In 2008, the government once again announced an end to the Haliya system, where individuals are forced to work as agricultural labourers for no pay. Economic packages meant for distribution to former Haliyas was also announced. A number of people were thus released from their status as bonded labourers. However, the situation in Dadeldhura indicates that this campaign has not been a total success. Many Haliyas have found it difficult to integrate into society. The funds and other rehabilitation measures provided by the state have not been sufficient. In some cases, it even appears that money meant for former Haliyas has been embezzled by government authorities and NGOs. As a consequence, many Haliyas have had no choice but to return to their former masters. In fact, the situation for some of them seems to have become worse than before. Recent reports indicate that landlords are reluctant to take back their former workers and even when they do, pay them extremely low wages.

This situation indicates that it is not sufficient for the state to simply announce the end of bonded labour and provide former labourers with funds. A long-term strategy is required that will aid former Haliyas and other bonded labourers to transition into society. The distribution of monetary packages that the state provides need to be scrutinised so that there is no embezzlement and the funds are reaching those it is meant for. Furthermore, money by itself is not sufficient. There need to be programmes in place that provide training to former Haliyas. Additionally, the state needs to take a proactive stance in attempting to find former bonded labourers jobs so that they can gain financial independence. If such measures are not provided, it will be almost impossible to do away with such systems of bonded labour.

Published on: 16 September 2013 | The Kathmandu Post