Humla: Citizens of Humla have been compelled to work for wages below the minimum standards set by the government, as the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security finalizes new wage determinations.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Ministry is implementing wage adjustments for laborers working on monthly, daily, hourly, and part-time bases, effective from this fiscal year. The Labour Act 2074, under section 106 (1), mandates the Ministry to set minimum wages every two years based on recommendations from the Minimum Wage Fixation Committee. As of July 17, the established monthly wage for workers, excluding tea garden workers, is Rs 19,550. The daily rate is set at Rs 754, with hourly wages at Rs 101, and Rs 107 for part-time work.
Despite these determinations, workers in Humla reportedly earn significantly less, with daily wages ranging from Rs 200 to 500, and contract workers earning between Rs 6,000 to 18,000 monthly. In various construction projects, it has been reported that the consumers’ committee pays workers a maximum of Rs 500 and a minimum of Rs 200 per day.
The situation is exacerbated by the delayed distribution of funds from consumers’ committees, even though payments for most projects have been halted. Navaraj Karki, a worker from Adanuli-3, expressed frustration over not receiving his wages, despite funds being withdrawn for payment. Karki also noted a decline in labor wages, attributing it to projects initiated based on bribery or commission.
The delay in wage payments is causing significant hardship for laborers, who are struggling to purchase essential daily items without timely compensation for their work.