In the heart of Chitwan District, nestled within the embrace of the national park, lay the Pyauli settlement. Established in 1990 by just three squatter families, it had grown over the years as more families migrated from various places, seeking refuge and a new beginning. The landscape was dotted with modest homes, each one a testament to resilience and hope. However, the tranquility of Pyauli was shattered in 2017 when a devastating flood swept through the neighboring Kusumkhola settlement, displacing 160 families. The Madi government, in a bid to provide shelter, resettled some of these families in Pyauli, adding to the community’s complexity.
Now, Pyauli was home to 98 households, each family holding a meager plot of land—between 2 to 3 Katha (0.01 to 0.015 hectares). The land was registered, and families had received their Lalpurja, a land ownership certificate, but the reality of their situation was stark. The residents were trapped in a cycle of poverty, relying on seasonal labor to make ends meet. Most were low-paid, unskilled workers, often traveling far from their homes in search of employment opportunities that were few and far between.
Among the residents was Kul Bahadur Sunar, a young man who had studied animal husbandry. Despite his education, he struggled to find work in a community where opportunities were scarce. He often found himself unable to afford the bus fare to attend important meetings or programs in the village headquarters, leaving him feeling isolated and frustrated. Kul Bahadur was one of only two youths in Pyauli who had graduated from higher secondary school, a beacon of hope in a sea of challenges.
The women of Pyauli also faced their own battles. One woman served as a female community health volunteer (FCHV), striving to bring health awareness to her neighbors despite the lack of a health post in the village. The absence of educational and health facilities weighed heavily on the community, leaving many without the knowledge or resources to improve their lives.
The daily wage earners in Pyauli faced harsh realities. They typically earned NRs. 1000 per day for construction work, but this came without any safety measures or timely payment. Employers often exploited their vulnerability, withholding wages and forcing them to work longer hours without compensation. There were stories of laborers returning home empty-handed, their hopes dashed by the indifference of contractors who treated them as mere commodities.
In the face of these challenges, the residents of Pyauli were determined to advocate for their rights. They formed the Danda Kalika Labor Group, an informal collective supported by Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS). This group aimed to empower laborers, raise awareness about their rights, and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. However, many in the community remained unaware of the existence of formal trade unions or the benefits they could offer.
Despite the hardships, there were glimmers of hope. Eligible families received non-contributory social security allowances, such as senior citizen, disability, and nutrition allowances for Dalit children. Yet, some families struggled to access these benefits due to a lack of citizenship certificates, highlighting the bureaucratic barriers that further marginalized them. The community representatives were not linked to broader social protection programs, and many had never heard of the provisions available to them.
As the sun set over Pyauli, casting a warm glow over the settlement, the residents gathered to discuss their challenges and aspirations. They shared stories of resilience, of dreams deferred but not forgotten. Kul Bahadur spoke passionately about the need for education and skills training, while the women discussed the importance of health awareness and support for one another.
In that moment, amidst the struggles and uncertainties, a sense of unity began to blossom. The residents of Pyauli realized that they were not alone in their fight for a better life. Together, they could advocate for their rights, seek out opportunities, and build a future where their children would not have to endure the same hardships.
With the support of SUS and their newfound solidarity, the people of Pyauli began to envision a brighter tomorrow. They were determined to break the cycle of poverty, to educate themselves and their children, and to create a community where every voice mattered. In the heart of the national park, a new chapter was beginning for Pyauli—a chapter of hope, resilience, and the promise of change.
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