RAMECHHAP: Seleghat Primary School in Bhaluwajor bears a deserted look these days as most of the students from the Majhi community have left it to work as daily wage earners.

About 150 children of the Majhi community were studying in the school. However, most of them have quit studies and started working as porters. They often go to carry loads from Khurkot of Sindhuli to Manthali, the district headquarters of Ramechhap.

Headmaster Shree Bahadur Majhi said most students in the Majhi community work as porters for businessmen. "The children of Majhi community have stopped coming to school for the last one month. More than 60 per cent of the students in the school are from the community," he added.

According to him, more than 70 children have been working as porters. The poverty-stricken guardians are compelled to send their children to carry loads. Almost all students from class three and above work as porters. "We tried to stop them from leaving the school but to no avail," the headmaster said. "A student can earn up to Rs 300 daily as a porter."

According to local guardians, some children spend the money for their education and while others give it to their guardians.