Execute the past deal

The Himalayan Times

17 June 2015

Execute the past deal

It was really sad to know that Badi community of Badi settlement of Balchaur of Kailali municipality is living in dire situation as reported “Neglected Badi community in a lurch” (THT, 15 June, Page 5). The government had singed an agreement with them about 7 years ago after continuously staging protest for 48 days in Kathmandu to get their demands addressed. There are about 900 people from 200 households living together in temporary shelters.

Most of the male members of this community go to India for jobs leaving behind women to look after their families. I was really saddened to know that the women walk 14 kilometres everyday to nearby Chisapani bazaar to grind stones in order to earn their livelihood in spite of the availability of vehicles. Traditionally, Badi women used to be commercial sex workers in and around Nepalgunj bazaar to earn a living. To break this tradition, they had demanded the government for meeting their basic needs and were assured by the government about this accordingly. Nothing has been happened since then singing of the deal.

Most of them do not have citizenship. As a result, they were not allowed to fill up forms of the Squatters’ Problems Solving Commission and are deprived of an opportunity of getting state’s facilities. The Majority of the Badi children suffer from acute malnutrition. Nonetheless, it was satisfying to know that some NGOs are implementing some programmes for this community in the field of education, health and drinking water schemes. When the government fulfill its promises made to the Badi community? It remains to be seen in the days to come.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj