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Economic empowerment is a crucial condition for gender equality. While the employment situation of women in Madhes Province has been dire, their participation in the labor force has begun to increase of late.

Rampari Devi (45) never went to school and was married at a young age. After her marriage, she had to rely on others even to fetch goods from the weekly market for nearly 20 years. However, after the male members of the family left for foreign employment, the family’s responsibility fell on Devi’s shoulders. She now has to manage everything, from farming to market activities, alone.

Currently, Devi is cultivating vegetables on about six kattha (approximately 2,000 square meters) of land with her daughters-in-law. She sells the vegetables at the local market herself and her work has significantly contributed to her family’s income.

Until about 15 years ago, Rekhadevi Sah (50) from Dhirapur had not even thought of working in her own fields. Her days were spent doing household chores. But now, Sah has also started farming. “The times were different then. In our society, women were not allowed to go outside the house. When we were newly married, we were even forbidden from laughing or speaking loudly. Times have changed now. We have educated daughters-in-law. Women have also started working in agriculture, business and other sectors,” said Sah. “Madhesi villages are not the same as before. In the past, there was no practice of employing women as laborers in the village, but now both men and women work together.”

Different factors like employment, business property rights and per capita income are considered for economic empowerment. Although women in Madhes are at the bottom of economic empowerment compared to other provinces, they have slowly started to climb the ladder.

Dilkhush Paswan from Matihani in Mahottari had to struggle a lot to go out to work and earn just because she was from the Dalit community. “The biggest problem came from the family itself. If you went out to work or joined women’s groups, they would say you would get spoiled or engage in wrong activities. Some even said they wouldn’t give work if the group included a Dalit woman,” Paswan said, recalling her past. “But after much struggle, I have now been able to do small business in the village. I have also gained respect in the family.”

Paswan has started a small business and is also involved in farming.

Until 10 years ago, it was difficult for women in Madhes to receive equal wages for equal work. There was no practice of involving women in agriculture, animal husbandry or small businesses. However, after the men in the villages started going abroad for jobs, women also started to be accepted as workers. Now, there is equality in wages, says agricultural worker Sangita Sada. “Earlier, they used to give Rs 300 to men and Rs 250 to women for farm work. They would not give us the money, though. Men would go as our guardians and receive the money,” said Sada. “We are paid the same wages as male workers these days.”

Bedanand Jha, who was busy transplanting paddy in his farm, said the number of women is comparatively higher than men in farms these days. “Since most men have started going abroad, women have started taking charge of agriculture,” he said, adding: “If female workers don’t engage in work, agriculture becomes even more difficult.”

Bina Singh, Dhanusha district coordinator of WOREC Nepal, an organization working in the field of women rights, said most of the women in Madhes had to endure violence due to a lack of economic empowerment in the past. “Even today, there is no conducive environment for women and girls to work outside their homes in Madhes. Women, especially from Dalit, Muslim and under-privileged families, are trapped in economic dependence and poverty. But efforts have begun to slowly break all these barriers,” she said. “Now, the trend of educating daughters and involving them in work has started to increase.”

As per the 2021 census, 49 percent, or 3,048,849, of the total population of 6,114,600 in Madhes Province, are women. The literacy rate for women is 54.7 percent, while it is 72.5 percent for men. About 68.7 percent of the cottage enterprises are primarily operated by men and 31.3 percent by women.

Madhes Province has seen a rise in criminal activities in recent months, with several cases highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation.

On June 23, Ritadevi Yadav (50) of Kabilas in Aurahi-4 of Mahottari was killed by her brother-in-law, Jatan Yadav (45). According to the District Police Office, Mahottari, Jatan struck Ritadevi with a spade after a household dispute turned violent.

Earlier, on June 14, Haribhushan Kusbaha, the chief of Ramraja Multiple Campus in Kalaiya, was shot dead at Batara in Adarsha Kotwal-3. Police have arrested five people in connection with the case.

Similarly, on June 8, Raju Yadav of Sakhuwa Mahendranagar in Dhanusha filed a report stating his wife, Ruby (28), was missing. A police investigation later revealed that Raju had murdered Ruby and disposed of her body before filing the missing person report to appear innocent.

Additionally, police arrested Dipendra Ram (22) of Narakatiya in Paroha-8 of Rautahat for the murder of his sister, Tetari Kumari Ram (20), using a bamboo pole on June 23. According to the police, Dipendra attacked his sister during a household dispute.

Statistics from the Madhes Province Police Office show a significant increase in homicides, attempted murders, and other criminal cases over the past few years. Law enforcement officials and social activists attribute most of these crimes to disputes and family feuds.

The Madhes Province Police Office recorded 96 cases of willful murder in 2021/22. The number increased to 106 in 2022/23 and has already reached 101 in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. Similarly, 271 cases of attempted murder were recorded in 2021/22. This number rose to 252 in 2022/23 and has reached 213 in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. According to the office, 8,454 criminal cases were recorded in 2021/22. This number increased to 9,844 in 2022/23 and has reached 8,664 in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year.

SP Bhuvaneshwar Tiwari of the District Police Office, Dhanusha, cites deteriorating social values, the negative impacts of foreign employment, and the breakdown of traditional family structures as some of the reasons behind the rising number of criminal cases in Madhes Province. Most of those arrested in criminal cases are in the 19-35 age group.

"The minds of our youth are becoming breeding grounds for criminal thoughts," said Sushil Karna, a youth rights activist. "Even educated young people are unable to find employment. This lack of opportunities, combined with inadequate education and drug addiction, is pushing youth into a quagmire of crime," he said. "The open border with India allows easy access to drugs. Once under the influence of drugs, these youths lose their ability to think rationally, and they don’t hesitate to commit even heinous crimes."

Raju Paswan, a human rights activist, said that the lack of punishment for criminals is a major reason behind the rise in criminal cases. "Criminal tendencies in society have increased significantly, but the strict legal measures needed to discourage this haven’t been implemented," Paswan said. "Even existing laws aren't being effectively enforced."

He added that police often fail to initiate timely investigations and weaken cases due to pressure from political parties and leaders. "These factors have boosted the morale of criminals. To control such criminal activities, it’s necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the law," he emphasized.

Women’s rights activist Subhadra Ale pointed out that political protection often encourages criminals. "In most cases of violence against women, families of victims face pressure from all sides when trying to file a complaint with the police. Village leaders and local politicians often protect criminals without understanding the facts," Ale said. "Attempts are made to settle criminal cases with small amounts of money through community mediation in villages."

Advocate Rajkumar Mahasheth stressed the need for social awareness to control incidents of criminal activities and violence. "The primary causes behind increased rates of criminal activities are poverty and unemployment. Another factor is the decline in moral education in our society," he said. "Youths are trapped in addictions. With the lack of employment opportunities in the country, young people are forced to either go for foreign employment or resort to crime."

Satish Kumar Singh of Janamat Samajbadi Party has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Madhes Province on Friday.

Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari in accordance with Article 168 (2) appointed Singh to the post after Singh submitted his claim with the support of CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and Nagarik Unmukti Party, among others.

Newly appointed Chief Minister Singh is scheduled to take oath of office and secrecy today itself.

Singh was elected as PA member from Saptari 2 (A) in the election held in November 2022.

Madhes Province Chief Sumitra Bhandari called for the formation of a new government in the province on Wednesday.

The Province Chief called for the formation of a new government after Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav failed to secure a vote of confidence in the Madhes Province Assembly on June 5.

Issuing a notice, acting Secretary of the Office of Province Chief Satrughan Yadav said the Province Assembly members have been given time till 10 am Friday to present their claim for the post of Chief Minister as per the Article 168 (2) of the Constitution.

"It is to inform that Madhes Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari has called for the Province Assembly members who can secure a majority on the backing of two or more than two political parties represented in the Province Assembly to present a claim for the Chief Minister by 10 am Friday in accordance with the Article 168 (2) of the Constitution", the notice reads.

Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav on Wednesday lost his confidence vote.

He sought the vote of confidence at the Province Assembly meeting this evening.

Of the 103 lawmakers present at the meeting, 50 votes were cast in favor of Yadav 53 votes were cast against him.

The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal-led government collapsed after he failed to garner a vote of confidence.

This has paved the way to form a new government in the Madesh Province.

The central coalition is preparing to form a new government under the leadership of Janata Samajbadi Party.

Earlier, the Janata Samajbadi Party had made an agreement with the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) to form a new government.

However, the party had tried to rope in Madhav Kumar Nepal-led CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahantha Thakur-led Democratic Socialist Party in the government.

Though the CPN (Unified Socialist) had voted against Chief Minister Yadav, the party has not been able to make a decision on whether to join the government or not.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress and Thakur-led Democratic Socialist Party had voted in favor of Yadav.

Janakpur, the headquarters of Dhanusha district and part of the Madhes Province, has historical and religious importance. It is the capital of  ancient Mithila, the kingdom which on many of its frontiers is believed to have been guarded by different deities: Kshireshwor in the north, Jaleshwor in the south, Mithileshwor in the east and Kupeshwor in the southwest.

Janakpur is the sacred place where Janaki, the constant consort of Lord Ram and the dutiful daughter of Mithila King (Rajarshi) Janak, was born from the womb of Mother Earth. She is also considered the most celebrated and illustrated heroine of the Hindu epic Ramayan.

Ram, the king of Ayodhya, was married to Sita at Janakpur. The marriage ceremony of Ram and Sita, the two central characters of the Ramayan, is celebrated on the auspicious occasion of Vivah Panchami—the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Mangsir (Nov-Dec). 

The legend preceding the nuptial goes like this. Ram broke a divine bow, which originally belonged to Lord Shiva, into three pieces, ‘qualifying’ him for his marriage with Sita. Per the legend, one piece flew into heaven, another entered Patal (the netherworld) and the third piece landed at the present-day Dhanusha Dham, about 40 km from Janakpur. Today also, visitors can see huge rocks shaped like a bow under a tree in Dhanusha rural municipality.

There are a large number of magnificent temples, large and deep ponds in Janakpur. These ponds are polluted, obscuring the glorious and golden past of the historic city regarded as one of the most sacred spots for millions and millions of Hindu pilgrims from the world over. Especially on occasions such as Vivah Panchami, Ram Navami and Janaki Navami, the faithful visit the city in large numbers.

The charms of Janakpur transcend beyond temples and ponds. Numerous fairs and festivals make Janakpur an attractive destination, making it a famous and foremost destination for religious-spiritual tourists. The historic place where the wedding of Ram and Sita took place is also a wedding destination for countless couples-to-be.

 Temples and more

Janakpur has been rightly called a tiny town of temples. Numerous ancient temples, statues and shrines indeed remind us of the glorious and religious chapters written about Mithila in ancient history books and several scriptures. The Ram-Janaki temple, one of the prime attractions, is a blend of classical and neoclassical design with elements of fortification and unique environmental setting. Its rare architectural elements, among other unique features, draw a large number of visitors from both Nepal and neighboring India. 

Mithila art is expanding its wings. It got an easy entrance into the UN and recently in the G-20 World Summit held in New Delhi. Moreover it has also got the GS (General Standard) trade mark. Janakpur has become the center of Mithila art and craft, but there is no sales counter for Mithila artworks at the Janakpur airport.  

Janakpur, the heart of the Mithila kingdom that embodies the teachings of Maitrei, Yagyabalkya, Gargi and King Janak and his dutiful daughter Janaki in the field of service and sacrifice appears to be losing its glory due to a dirty atmosphere and the lack of efforts aimed at preserving the Ram-Janaki temple and other heritages. The waste and rubbish piled around the temple and the city seem to have gone unnoticed in the eyes of the Greater Janakpur Development Council. 

There have been efforts to preserve this gem of a place, which is encouraging. For example, some youths have been conducting Sandhya Aarati for a decade, further highlighting the significance of the heritage site among visitors from Nepal, and beyond and giving the evenings a sublime, soothing and scented feel.

The sorry state of this priceless heritage site is calling local people, concerned authorities and other stakeholders to come to the fore for its preservation. The sooner they wake up to the task, the better.  

Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav has appealed to the representatives of international and national non-governmental organizations to work in coordination with the provincial government.

At an interaction organized on 'cooperation with development partners and future course' here Monday, CM Yadav viewed coordination yields better results and fosters harmony.

On the occasion, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Krishna Prasad Yadav, opined that stationing development partners only in Kathmandu was not proper.

Finance Minister Sanjay Kumar Yadav said the country cannot be prosperous if Madhes is left in poverty. He accused the INGOs of failing to deliver sensitively.

Vice Chair of the Province Policy Commission, Nathu Prasad Chaudhari, suggested working in unison to ensure better achievements.

A representative from INGO, Pramit Adhikari, however said it was comfortable to work in Madhes Province.

Madhes Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav is seeking a vote of confidence from the Province Assembly for the third time today.

A meeting of the Province Assembly has been called for 2 pm today for this purpose. CM Yadav is facing a floor test after the Janamat Party on January 23 withdrew its support to his government.

Before this, Yadav had to take a vote of confidence for the second time on June 13, 2023 after the CPN-UML pulled out his government on May 15, 2023.

The constitution requires that the government should seek a vote of confidence within 30 days if any party supporting it quits the government.

The Chief Minister requires the support of 54 members out of the total 107 members of the Province Assembly for winning the vote of confidence.

The largest party in the Assembly, the CPN-UML has 23 members, the Nepali Congress 22 members, the Janata Samajbadi Party 18 members, the Janamat Party 13 members and the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party and the CPN (Maoist Centre) nine members each, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has seven members while Nepal Sanghiya Samajwadi Party, the Nagarik Unmukti Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party each has one member. Three members are independents.

The Madhes Province government is led by the Janata Samajbadi Party.

The Nepali Congress, the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, the Maoist Center and CPN (Unified Socialist) are in the government.

The government has the support of 65 members from these four parties in the ruling coalition.