13 Local Governments, 6 Enterprises, and 7 Entrepreneurs Honored for Declaring Child Labor-Free Zones
18 Ashar, Kathmandu – The government has recognized local governments, industrial establishments, and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to eradicating child labor, promoting safe workplaces, and developing entrepreneurship within the country. The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment honored 13 local governments declared child labor-free, six industrial establishments excelling in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), and seven entrepreneurs who have returned from foreign employment to establish businesses domestically during a ceremony held on Thursday.
The ministry stated that these entrepreneurs received the ‘National Entrepreneur Award’ for returning from foreign employment, establishing enterprises in Nepal, creating jobs, and contributing to the national economy.
Among the awardees, Lok Bahadur Rai from Morang, who operates Prashansa Honey Farm, was awarded the National Best Entrepreneur Award along with a cash prize of NPR 150,000. Additionally, Manika and Yunika Bangur Farm in Haldibari, Jhapa, received the National Excellent Entrepreneur Award. Other recipients of the National Excellent Entrepreneur Award include G Hill Kutani Pisani Industry from Saptari, MG Agro Farm from Sindhuli, SK Agriculture and Livestock Farm from Parbat, Dipesh and Bibesh Agriculture and Livestock Farm from Arghakhanchi, and New Kalika Auto Parts from Bajura. The prize money for the Excellent Entrepreneur Award is NPR 75,000 per recipient.
Furthermore, the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety honored six industrial establishments recognized for excellence based on 22 indicators related to occupational safety and health. The recognized institutions include Navajeevan Hospital (Kailali), Hongshi Shivam Cement (East Nawalparasi), Ambe Steel (Rupandehi), Asian Paints (Hetauda), Maruti Cement (Siraha), and Mainawati Steel Industries (Sunsari). No establishments from Karnali Province were selected due to the absence of applications, the ministry added.
The local governments honored for declaring themselves child labor-free include Raghuganga Rural Municipality (Myagdi), Triveni Rural Municipality (Rolpa), BanGanga Municipality (Kapilvastu), Suryodaya Municipality (Ilam), Myagde Rural Municipality (Tanahun), Pouwadunga Rural Municipality (Bhojpur), Bareng Rural Municipality (Baglung), Biruwa Rural Municipality (Syangja), Panauti Municipality (Kavrepalanchok), Kharpunath Rural Municipality (Humla), Fedikhola Rural Municipality (Syangja), Buddhbhoomi Municipality (Kapilvastu), and Chandragiri Municipality (Kathmandu). During the event, Minister of Youth, Labour and Employment Ramji Yadav emphasized that only through worker protection, ending child labor, law enforcement, and creating a conducive environment for domestic opportunities can a prosperous nation be built.
Minister Yadav praised the 13 local governments that declared themselves child labor-free and urged all municipalities to prioritize such campaigns. He highlighted that children belong in schools and playgrounds, not at work, and acknowledged that the number of such municipalities remains insufficient. The government provides a grant of NPR 300,000 as encouragement to local governments declaring child labor-free zones and an additional NPR 200,000 upon successful declaration.
The minister also noted that responsible business operations enhance worker security, dignity, and productivity, and pledged continued government support for promoting responsible businesses in both domestic and foreign labor markets. He lauded youth who return from foreign employment to establish enterprises domestically, create jobs, and contribute economically, expressing hope that they will inspire others. The ministry expressed confidence that such recognition and incentive programs will encourage more local governments, industries, and the private sector to work toward ending child labor, building safe workplaces, and fostering domestic entrepreneurship.
