Dammar Ram Koli, 32, of Dhap VDC Darchula, is a landless Haliya. He has a family of four, including his wife and two sons. From the age of 14, he worked as a Haliya at the house of Bhairab Bista of Dhap-4. He worked there for 18 years. He lived in a dilapidated hut built on a small piece of land. To meet the needs of his family, he had taken a loan of Rs 25,000 [US$352].

Despite hardships, Koli was managing to work for Bista till 20 May 2005 when his master physically abused him. Following the incident, he sought help of the Legal Consultation Centre run by Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization. Upon their advice, he filed a case against Bista at the District Administration Office on 24 May the same year. This also meant an end to Koli’s job as a Haliya.

Freedom from Haliya existence has its own share of problems. Like every other freed Haliya, Koli had to face them. He was ostracized and there was no one to help him economically. For two months, he lived like a shadow.

Finally, Koli went back to the Legal Consultancy Centre. With the centre’s help, he received hairdressing training for two months in Dhangadhi. After being trained, he drew Rs 10,000 in loan from the Rural Development Bank and opened up his own hairdressing saloon. Just six months later, he paid back the interest and the principal.

Today, he earns Rs 150-200 [US$2-3] every day. Additionally, he draws Rs 4,000 [US$56] a month from police by giving haircuts to policemen two days every week. In his rented room, his wife and sons lead a relatively happy life. His sons go to school.

These days, when people enquire him how he is doing, he says, “I am doing just fine. The Dalit empowerment program has proven to be a blessing for me.”

He suggests other Haliyas to follow his example.

(Source: Dalit Sandesh and LWF Nepal Feature Service)