Kamaiya Mukti Diwas

Every year on Shrawan 2, Nepal observes Kamaiya Mukti Diwas, also known as, Kamaiya Liberation Day. This day marks the end of one of the country’s most exploitative labor systems. The government officially abolished the Kamaiya system in Shrawan 2, 2057 BS (2000 AD). This freed thousands of bonded laborers. 

What Was the Kamaiya System?

The Kamaiya system was a form of bonded labor that was mainly practiced in western Nepal. It mostly affected the Tharu community. Many poor families borrowed money from landlords and, unable to repay the debt, were forced to work under harsh conditions. The debt would pass from one generation to the next. These workers had no control over their wages, working hours, or living conditions. Women and children were particularly vulnerable and often faced physical abuse, domestic servitude, and a lack of access to education or healthcare.

The Fight for Liberation

In the 1990s, increased awareness and organized activism began to challenge the Kamaiya system. Former Kamaiyas, human rights organizations, and civil society groups joined forces in what became known as the Kamaiya Mukti Andolan. After years of speaking out and pushing for change, the government decided to get rid of the system on Shrawan 2, 2057 BS. This announcement didn’t just make bonded labor illegal – it also wiped out all the debts that Kamaiya families owed.

Challenges After Freedom

Although the abolition was a major legal victory, the reality on the ground was far from simple. Thousands of freed Kamaiyas were left without land, homes, or stable income. While the government promised rehabilitation and support programs, many of these were poorly implemented. Even today, many former Kamaiyas live in poverty, face unemployment, and lack basic services like education and healthcare.