In a significant triumph for the rights and recognition of Community Health Workers (CHWs), Bansgadi Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, has paved the way for the registration of CHWs in the social security system of Nepal. This groundbreaking agreement marks a historic moment, with Bansgadi Municipality becoming the first municipality in Nepal to extend such benefits to CHWs. 

PSI congratulates its affiliates in Nepal who made this victory possible. Over the years, CHWs have tirelessly advocated for their inclusion in social security schemes, submitting numerous demand letters and presenting their charter of demands to authorities. It was a major component of the Charter of Demands of CHWs in South Asia, which was released last year in August by PSI and affiliates.  

The agreement holds profound implications for 103 CHWs of nine wards in the municipality, who have been at the forefront of the fight for their rights. Their persistence and resilience have finally borne fruit with this decision. 

Social Security was a major component of the Charter of Demands of CHWs of South Asia, which was released last year in August by PSI and affiliates. 

“We have been campaigning for our inclusion in social security scheme for many years. Last year we met the authorities many times. We submitted our demand letters twice in the last one year, including the Charter of Demands. We have held protests, sit-ins and rallies,” said Bimala Pariyar, central committee secretary of Nepal Health Volunteers Association (NEVA) and elected member of Ward 2 in Bansgadi Municipality. After last year’s election, she had been raising the issue within the municipality. “My election to the post helped as I could approach the authorities as an elected representative of the people and forced them to listen to us.” 

Under the terms of the agreement, the government will allocate NPR 2228 (EUR 15) per month per CHW to the contribution-based social security scheme of Nepal. This allocation will enable CHWs to access a range of benefits under Dependent Family Protection Scheme, Health and Maternity Protection Scheme and Old Age Protection Scheme. As part of Maternity Protection, CHWs will receive NPR 30,000 (EUR 206) divided over three months. They will be able to avail medical treatment coverage of up to NPR 1,00,000 (EUR 687). They will now be eligible for a loan of up to NPR 12,00,000 (EUR 8247) without any collateral. Their children too will be able to avail study assistance of up to NPR 5,00,000 (EUR 3436) without any collateral.  

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it not only recognises the invaluable contributions of CHWs to the healthcare system but also ensures their well-being and financial security. Reflecting on the occasion, Kannan Raman, PSI Sub-regional Secretary for South Asia, remarked, "This victory underscores the power of collective action and solidarity among CHWs. It sets a precedent for the recognition of their rights and dignity across the region." 

Kate Lappin, PSI Regional Secretary for Asia Pacific, hailed the agreement as a watershed moment in the struggle for workers' rights, stating, "The recognition of CHWs in Nepal sets a positive example for other countries in the region to follow. It demonstrates the importance of listening to the voices of workers and prioritising their welfare." 

The registration of CHWs in the social security system marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and social justice in Nepal. It underscores the power of collective mobilization and advocacy in effecting positive change and serves as a beacon of hope for workers' movements worldwide.