For past few days , I was thinking about visiting Indo-Nepal Tharu villages(Why?) so that I can understand their daily life and their background. I did some G-research and found out that there are few options Chandan chowki, Bilraya and Bela Parsuwa. I choose Bela Parsuwa , called a friend of mine with motorcycle, checked the following map and thus started from Palia around 1.00 pm.
- Tharu community is the most populous tribe in U.P.
- In Kheri, there are 60,000 Tharu voters who live in Palia and Nighasan Tehsils.
- Many local Tharus depend on farming and forests for their survival. Most of the families have land, which is used for paddy,wheat cultivation. Flood is an issue but they are managing with it.
- Despite Tharus being the most backward tribe in U.P., the government’s focus on improving their situation has ended up helping a lot of Tharus and thus many villagers are employed in govt jobs.
- Mobile network is still an issue , though only BSNL has erected tower for them but its tower maintenance is 'Sarkari' . Locals depend upon nepal telecom as it provides better connectivity in border areas.
- Tharus have to spend much more on Healthcare as there is no good local expertise.
- Tharu women - some of whom have never been to school wants to become self-reliant. This has led to them forming SHGs(Self Help Groups) but these groups' potential has not been tapped yet so there is scope of women empowerment.
Some of the products of these women are :
