LALITPUR, JUNE 24

Chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has pledged to push for legal reforms that ensure domestic workers are included under the minimum wage law.

Speaking at a national policy dialogue on 'Domestic Work and Informal Care Work' organized by Yuwalaya in Lalitpur today, Dahal expressed his commitment to advocating for labor rights even as a member of the opposition in Parliament.

'Due to delays in enacting laws aligned with the spirit of the Constitution, workers' issues have not progressed adequately. We will take initiatives to include domestic workers under the legal framework of minimum wages,' said Dahal.

He emphasized that true and sustainable change cannot be achieved unless workers tangibly feel an improvement in their lives. Acknowledging the vital role of workers in his political journey, Dahal added:

'It was because of the workers that I became Prime Minister three times. I sincerely thank those who are raising this issue at the national level and express my commitment to continuously advocate for a dignified life for domestic workers through legal recognition and protection.'

Member of Parliament Rama Koirala, who has long been associated with the trade union movement, also addressed the event. She shared that she has been consistently raising her voice for the rights of workers and noted that while Nepal has the potential to create many employment opportunities, the government has failed to fully recognize and understand the domestic labor market.

Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council, Surendra Basnet, emphasized the need for effective implementation of laws that protect the rights of domestic workers.

Yuwalaya, a youth-led organization established in 2013, has been actively working in the areas of youth empowerment, rights protection, and social transformation.

Speaking at the event, Yuwalaya President Dharma Raj Rimal stated that the organization is currently advocating at the local, provincial, and federal levels to ensure that care and domestic work are socially recognized and developed into dignified and respectable professions.