DANG, DEC 28 - The "Food for Work" programme, which was in implementation for the benefit of the freed kamaiyas in the twin districts of Dang and Banke, is folding up by the end of December, directly affecting nearly 12,000 freed kamaiyas in its wake.
The programme which was being funded by World Food Programme (WFP) and German Technical Cooperation (GRZ) and was targeted at rural infrastructure building and community development projects had proved to be a ready vehicle to rehabilitate the displaced members of the Tharu community.
This came to the fore when the Rural Community Infrastructure Work (RCIW) under the Ministry of Local Development (MOLD) notified the district staff to fold up the project by the end of December saying the decision was taken at the secretary level on November 7.
In fact the circular had told the district staff to look for desired quantity of resources in the district just in the event there is some foodgrain which could be put to use even as they have been told to work with a view to eventually phase out at the end of this fiscal year.
"Since the authorities have decided to shelve the project much before freed kamaiya problem has been sorted out, chances are that they (freed kamaiyas) could end up at the door of the landlord," said chairman of Mukta Kamaiya Samaj, Dang.
However, an engineer associated with RCIW claimed that he was communicating with the central authorities with a view to give continuity to the project. He said that there was no word from the central authorities on the issue. The RCIW has been working in the district since 2000.Posted on: 2003-12-29 05:45

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