Muglin, July 28 

The Chepang women from Ichchhamanakamana of Chitwan have demanded local levels to provide opportunity for skill-oriented training.

They demanded such training while attending a programme organized at Phisling of Ichchhamanakamana Rural Municipality-3 on Monday. The program was organized by Pairavi Forum. Jyoti Chepang shared that she was interested in learning driving to make income but could not get the training for lack of money.

“I want to be a driver, but there is no training centre in the locality. Importantly, financial problem is sheer hindrance,” she added, saying more than two dozens of women from her community were willing to learn driving. Similarly, another Anshu Chepang said she had keen interest in tailoring. She however said they were not aware of the trainings the rural municipality provides. Running beauty parlour is another job liked by their friend Sunimaya Chepang.

Commercial farming is of interest for Dilmaya Chepang. Dilmaya shared the plight that the seeds distributed by the rural municipality were of low quality. Training on commercial farming could benefit them, she added. For lack of education, many Chepang are unemployed in Ichchhamanakamana Rural Municipality. On the occasion, Ward Chair Gobardhan Adhikari vowed that he would take initiative to provide skill oriented training to the Chepang women as per their demand and interest. He informed that the rural municipality had focused on agriculture.

Member at the rural municipality, Daman Kumari Chepang, said it would be better to provide training based on interest and capacity. Agriculture Section Chief at the municipality, Anand Ghimire, urged the Chepang women to involve in agriculture farming.

Central General Secretary of Nepal Chepang Association, Aita Sing Chepang, said Chepang community also needs to be aware of their identity and culture while receiving assistance from various organizations. —–