District Profile of Dhanusha

DISTRICTPROFILE
DHANUSHA
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICTDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,

J ANAKPUR , DHANUSHA
FUNDED BY
Asian Development Bank
TA No. 6306 (REG):
Mainstreaming Managing for Development Results (MfDR)
in Support of Poverty Reduction in South Asia
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Acknowledg ement
The local self governance system is an important aspect of democracy. In the local
self governance system, the legally established bodies work for the development of
particular region by seeking people’s participation in Planning, Operation, Making
Decision on things that affects people’s daily needs and livelihood as well as
promote leadership. It is the chief responsibility of the state to maintain conditions
suitable to the enjoyment of the fruits of democracy through wider participation of
people in the governance through promoting bottom up development approach and
making local governance responsible to the people.
The Local Self Governance Act 1999 has directed the local bodies to prepare a
comprehensive periodic plan envisaging the long term development vision, directive
principles, programs and project on the basis of district’s current development status,
resource potential, opportunities and risks.
The district profile of Dhanusha, one of the central southern districts of the nation
has been prepared in accordance with the national planning guideline 2000. This
profile is an attempt to outline the existing situation on the basis of district and village
level statistics. The data and statistics are presented and analyzed to project
different development opportunities and potentials and risks. The district profile will
form the basis for preparation of comprehensive long term plan through wider people
participation to guide the district development. Due to several obstruction and
difficulties, the participation of people in preparation of the District Profile is limited
district level.
The district profile is important for any future planning. I would like to extend my
heartfelt gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for entrusting me to prepare the
District Profile of Dhanusha under TA No. 6306 (REG): Mainstreaming Managing for
Development Results (MfDR) in Support of Poverty Reduction in South Asia. I would
like to tender my sincere thanks to Dr Champak Pokharel, and Arun Rana, National
Consultants ADB TA 6306 for their continues support and constructive advice to
undertake the study successful. I am thankful to all who directly or indirectly assisted
me in data collection at district level, VDC level and central level. My special note of
thanks is due to Umesh Kumar Sing, LDO Dhanusha, Raj Kishore Shah, SDE, DTO,
DDC Dhanusa, Ram Bhajan Yadav, Information and HRD officer, DDC Dhanusha,
Rattneshwer Lal Karna, DE, Kamla Irrigation Project. Thanks also go to Om Kumar
Karna, Chief DADO, Dr Bimal Kumar Nirmal, Chief DASO, Bina Shrestha, Chief
DWDO, Newal Shah, Chief GJRDC, Brikhesh Chandra Lal, ex mayor Janakpur
Municipality, Sivendra Lal Karna, Professor RRB Campus.
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District Profile of Dhanusha
I would like to express my due thanks to Jahid Parwej, Assistant Professor,

Department of Sociology TU for his active support in information collection and
providing insights in purposeful analysis of the data. I would like to extend my
heartfelt thanks to all other individuals and institutions who supported me by
providing relevant information and advices for the successful accomplishment of the
study.
I will consider my effort to be successful if the Profile of Dhanusha District proves to

be informative and useful to all who have interest in the development of Dhanusha.
Aj ay Chandra L al
District Profile Specialist, ADB
Associate Professor
Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Lalitpur
February 15, 2008
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Ac ro nyms
ADB Asian Development Bank

AHW Assistant Health Worker
BT Black Top
CBR Crude Birth Rate
CDR Central Development Region
CDR Crude Death Rate
Cft Cubic feet
CMR Child Mortality Rate
DADO District Agriculture Development Office
DDC District Development Committee
DFDP Decentralized Financial Development Program
DLGSP Decentralized Local Governance Support Program
DMCs Developing Member Countries
DR District Road
DTMP District Transport Master Plan
DTO District Technical Officer
ER Earthen Road
FCHW Female Community Health Worker
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GJDC Greater Janakpur Development Council
GO Government Organizations
GR Gravel Road
Ha Hactare
HA Health Assistant
HH Household
INGO International Non Government Organization
JKR Janakpur
Km/KM Killo meter
LDO Local Development Officer
LQ Location Quotient
LRMP Land Revenue Mapping Project
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LSGA Local Self Governance Act

MfDR managing for development results
MMD Maternal Mortality Death
MT Metric Ton
NDVS National Development Volunteer Services
NGO Non Government Organization
NH National Highway
NPC National Planning Commission
PL Primary Level
RB-CSPs results-based country strategy and programs
RCIW Rural Community Infrastructure Works
RETA Regional Technical Assistance
SEDP Small Enterprise Development Program
SISP Second Irrigation Sector Project
SL Secondary Level
SLC School Leaving Certificate
SSL Senior Secondary Level
TCN Timber Corporation of Nepal
TOR Terms of Reference
UNDP United Nations Development Project
UR Urban Road
VDC Village Development Committee
VR Village Road
WHO World Health Organization
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
ACK NOWLEDGEMENT
ACRONYMS
TAB LE OF CONTENT
LIST OF TABLES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1. 1 Background..................................................................................................... 1
1. 2 Objectives ....................................................................................................... 2
1. 3 Methodology.................................................................................................... 2
1. 4 Limitation of the Study .................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2 – GEO – PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

2. 1 Geographical Location .................................................................................... 4
2. 2 Topography and Slope Analysis ..................................................................... 6
2. 3 Soil Characteristics ......................................................................................... 6
2. 4 Hydrology and Ecological Featfures ............................................................... 6
CHAPTER 3 – POPULATION PROFILE AND PROJECTIONS

3. 1 Population Size ............................................................................................... 8
3. 2 Population Growth Rate ................................................................................. 8
3. 3 Component Analysis of Population................................................................. 9
3. 4 Population Composition ................................................................................ 10
3. 5 Population Distribution .................................................................................. 10
3. 6 Population by Religion .................................................................................. 11
3. 7 Population by Ethnicity.................................................................................. 11
3. 8 Population by Language ............................................................................... 13
3. 9 Population Distribution as per Settlement .................................................... 14
3. 10 Analysis of Population Growth...................................................................... 14
3. 11 Urbanization and Urban Population.............................................................. 15
3. 12 Landuse ........................................................................................................ 16
CHAPTER 4 – DISTRICT ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

4. 1 District Economic Structure and Sectoral Share .......................................... 17
4. 2 Specialization of Sectoral Economy ............................................................. 19
4. 3 Economic Linkage......................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 5 – SECTORAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

5. 1 Agriculture .................................................................................................... 21
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5. 2 Irrigation ....................................................................................................... 30
5. 3 Mining and Industry....................................................................................... 31
5. 4 Commerce..................................................................................................... 33
5. 5 Tourism ......................................................................................................... 34
5. 6 Forest Development and Management ........................................................ 43
CHAPTER 6 – PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

6. 1 Transportation ............................................................................................... 46
6. 2 Information and Communication ................................................................... 48
6. 3 Electricity and Alternate Energy.................................................................... 50
6. 4 Water Supply ................................................................................................ 52
6. 5 Sanitation, Sewage / Drainage and Solid Waste Management ................... 54
CHAPTER 7 – SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

7. 1 Education ...................................................................................................... 56
7. 2 Health............................................................................................................ 65
7. 3 Sports and Recreation .................................................................................. 69
7. 4 Women and Child Development ................................................................... 69
CHAPTER 8 – INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES

8. 1 Financial Resources and Income of District Development Committee ........ 71
8. 2 Resource Mobilization................................................................................... 75
8. 3 Institutional Development ............................................................................. 78
8. 4 Observations................................................................................................. 82
APPENDICES
Appendix 1& 2 : Population by 5 Years of Age, Sex for V.D.C.s
Appendix 3 : V.D.C. wise Ethnic Population
Appendix 4 : V.D.C. wise Economically Active Population
Appendix 5 : Crops, Area Coverage & HH involve
Appendix 6 : Services Available at V.D.C. Level
Appendix 7 : Appendix 7: List of GOs, NGOs and Other Institutions in the

District
Appendix 8 : Name and Address of Major Accommodation Facilities in

Janakpur
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Distributions of VDCs in Constituencies

Table 2.2 Land Form of Dhanusha District
Table 3.1 Population Statistics of the District
Table 3.2 Population Growth Rate
Table 3.3 Population Projection for the next Decade
Table 3.4 Vital Statistics of the district
Table 3.5 Age Sex Composition 2001
Table 3.6 Population Share of Dhanusha in Nepal
Table 3.7 Population Distribution as per Religion 2001
Table 3.8 Population Distribution as per Ethnicity
Table 3.9 Dalit Population in the District
Table 3.10 Linguistic Population
Table 3.11 Population of Top Ten Settlements
Table 3.12 Urban Population
Table 3.13 Landuse 1991
Table 4.1 Economically Active Population
Table 4.2 Economically active Pop Sectoral 2001
Table 4.3 Economically active Population in % 2001
Table 4.4 Economically Active Population by Profession 2001
Table 4.5 Major Causes for Economically Inactiveness (age 10yrs and above)
Table 4.6 Location Quotient of each Sector 2001
Table 4.7 Per Capita income 2005
Table 5.1 Agriculture Production, Productivity and Area Coverage
Table 5.2 Agricultural Landuse of the district 2004/5
Table 5.3 Food Adequacy Level in the district 2004/5
Table 5.4 Distribution of Agricultural Land Livestok and Birds
Table 5.5 No of Household as per Type and Size of land
Table 5.6 Use of Improved Seeds and fertilizers
Table 5.7 Application of Pesticides
Table 5.8 Prevalent crop, area coverage and family coverage
Table 5.9 Distribution of Agricultural Loan as per crop requirement 2005/06
Table 5.10 Flow of Loan (2003/4-2004/5)
Table 5.11 Agricultural Production Cost and Benefit 2004
Table 5.11-1 Registration of Farmers Group in the District
Table 5.12 Description of Ponds in the District
Table 5.13 Livestock Population in the District 2005
Table 5.14 Annual Dairy Production by Organized Dairy Firms 2005
Table 5.15 Annual Meat Productions 2005
Table 5.16 Grass/fodder Production 2005
Table 5.17 First Irrigation Sector Program Implemented projects
Table 5.18 Number of Industries in the district
Table 5.19 Small and Cottage Industry (Production and Revenue)
Table 5.20 Archeological Sites in Dhanusha District (Gadh and Gadhi)
Table 5.21 Places of Religious Importance (Temples )
Table 5.22 Sagar, Talaw and Pokharis in Janakpur
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Table 5.23 Forest Coverage in different Regions

Table 5.24 Demand of Forest Products
Table 6.1 Summary of the Road Network in the District
Table 6.2 Telecommunication Facilities in the district
Table 6.3 Annual Income of Nepal Telecom
Table 6.4 Annual Growth of Electricity Sector in the district
Table 6.5 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for lightening
Table 6.6 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for Cooking
Table 6.7 HH Distribution as per Access to Source of Water Supply
Table 6.8 No of Tube wells and Arsenic Concentration in Dhanusha
Table 6.9 On going Water Supply Project in Dhanusha District
Table 6.10 Households Using Main Source Of Drinking Water
Table 6.11 Household by Type of Toilet Facility
Table 7.1 Population 6 Years Of Age And Over By Literacy Status And Sex
Table 7.2 Literate Population 6 Years Of Age And Over By Educational Attainment
(Level Passed)
Table 7.3 Literacy Rate of Dhanusha District
Table 7.4 School Going Population Distribution Age and Sex
Table 7.5 No of Schools in the District 2001
Table 7.6 Primary School Total and Dalit Enrolment by Sex and Grade
Table 7.7 Primary Level Education Status,
Table 7.8 ECD/PPC Enrolment in the District, 2007
Table 7.9 Enrolment in Lower Secondary Level Education 2007
Table 7.10 Social Composition of Students at Lower Secondary Level 2007
Table 7.11 Lower Secondary Students Appearing and Passing Exams 2006
Table 7.12 Secondary Level Enrolment 2007
Table 7.13 Enrolment of Students in Secondary School by Social group
Table 7.14 Appearance and Passing of Secondary Level
Table 7.15 No of teachers as per their level 2001
Table 7.16 Ratios(T/S, St/T)
Table 7.17 A List of Mosque, Madarsa and Students
Table 7.18 Health Institution in District
Table 7.19 Use of Contraceptive and Family Planning
Table 7.20 Patient Flow in the Zonal Hospital
Table 7.21 Major Diseases and Percentage of Affected Population 2005
Table 7.22 General Health Condition in the District
Table 8.1 Annual Incomes from Internal Resources of DDC Dhanusha
Table 8.2 Annual Incomes from External Resources (Aids and Grants) of the DDC
Table 8.3 Proposed Budgets for 2006/07
Table 8.4 Integrated Budget of DDC in 000
Table 8.5 Annual Budget of DDC Dhanusha in 000
Table 8.6 Donors Assistance (Budget of NGOs) in 000
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Executive Summary
Dhanusha is one of the southern Terai districts of Janakpur Zone in the central development
region on Nepal. The total area of the district is 1180 square km and population is 671364
(2001 National Census). With the existing population growth rate 2.11, the population is
estimated to 822000 in 2011. Majority of the population in the district comes from Yadav
Community (17.57%) followed by Muslim (8.49%) and Kewat (6.2%). Other prominent castes
in the districts are Dhanuk, Teli, Koiri, sudi, Tatma and Chamar. The major pahade caste is
Bramhin (3.8%) in the district. Linguistically 88 percent of population speak Maithili followed
by Nepali 7 percent Politically Dhanusha district is surrounded by Mahottari District in the
west, Sirha District in the east, Sindhuli District in the North and Bihar State of India in the
south. Janakpur Dham, the only municipality in the district is the District Headquarter where
most of the district level GOs, NGOs and other institutions are positioned.
Dhanusha is developing as commercial and administrative hub in the central Terai of the
nation. Besides it is one of the major religious center in the country with lots of tourism
potential. Janakpur, today’s district headquarter was once the capital of Mithila where
goddess Sita, wife of god Ram was borne and brought up. This makes the district in general
and Janakpur in particular a unique place mainly for Hindus of Indian sub continent and
around the world.
Dhanusha is predominantly an agriculture dependent district. 50% of economically active

population are engaged in agriculture sector followed by Hotel and Restaurant (13.73) and
Production and Recycling (12.87). Other major occupations are Construction, General
Administration, Education etc. The local estimate suggests that less than 10 percent women
are engaged in non agriculture activities.
Fishery and Dairy are the most promising sector with highest profitability. Janakpur Fish and
Mithai (Dairy Product) have emerged as credible brand name over the year in the country.
However, livestock, dairy and even fishery are still off farm activities for the farmers.
This classical capital of Rajrishi (Sage King) Janak has been enjoying the status of famous
pilgrimage. This is the center of reverence of the entire Hindu world owing to its religious and
historical importance for being the holy land where goddess Sita or Janaki, Lord Ram’s
consort war born.
Janakpur and area in the vicinity holds very special place among Jains as the 19th clergy
(Thirthankar) Malinath and 21st clergy Naminath were born somewhere in Janakpur though
exact location have not been established.
Dhanush district teems with famous and attractive temples, shrines and ponds (Kunds and
Sagars) with moderately developed tourism infrastructure. Janaki Temple, popularly known
as Naulakha, is the most renowned pilgrimage of Janakpur Dham. Similarly Ganga Sagar
and Dhanush Sagar are holiest ponds where Hindus wish to take a dip in her/his life time.
Bibah Panchami, Ram Navmi, Jhula and Parikrama are major cultural celebrations and
festivals which attract tens of thousands of people across the nation and India annually.
Mithila Culture is famous all over the world for its rich and scholarly traditions.
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The district has very poor quality road network despite its location in plain area. More that 60
percent of settlement remain detached during monsoon due to flooding. Even the major
lifeline linking the districts headquarter with national highway is in dilapidated condition. With
the establishment of FM stations and induction of mobile technology, information and
communication has developed tremendously in last few years though quality is still a par.
About 90 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water mainly due the
availability of potable ground water and initiatives of the NGOs and individual. Sanitation
situation is worst with only 40 percent of population has some kind of toilet facility. Poverty
and lower level of education and awareness are root cause of pathetic sanitation situation
creating health hazard and economic loss. More than 60 percent of settlements are
connected with electric network while only 45 percent of the population enjoys the facilities.
Literacy provides access to information, while educational attainment provides scope for new
opportunities. Only 59 percent of male population and 36 percent of female population are
literate. The literacy rate of Dhanusha is lower than the national as well as regional averages
(CDR). Per capita investment on primary education is substantially lower in Terai region than
hill and mountain; however the continued government and donor’s negligence for years have
jeopardized the education sector development in the district. The DEO estimate indicate the
total student enrolled in primary school is 77%. About 23 percent of children are stilled
deprived of education, the situation is even worse in case of Dalit, Janjati and female child.
One of the lowest female literacy rate in the nation could be attributed to the rampant poverty
and cultural barriers which discriminate alarmingly between girl and boy child. A social
movement with strong political commitment is necessary to overcome this cultural barrier.
The teacher school ratio though give an impression of adequate number of teachers at
primary, lower secondary and secondary level, the student teacher ratio reveals the fact that
each teacher in primary and lower secondary schools has to teach 50 and 40 students
respectively. The number of students per female teacher is exceptionally high indicating the
need of inclusive policy to hire more female teachers at least in primary and lower secondary
level education. Similarly a policy has to be implemented to increase the number of Dalit and
Janjati teachers which can be triggering point for improving education level among the
deprived group in the district.
The Muslim literacy rate is just 34.72% far below than national and district average. The
Muslim claims that these public schools do not fulfill their educational as well as cultural
needs, which is essential for every Muslim. They perceived education as a multifunctional
agent to achieve the both objective. An integrated course for Muslim children comprising
both mainstream education and cultural education in their community owned school called
Madrasa is the need of the day. These Madarsas are to be formalized parallel system of
formal schooling.
The health service in the district is lead by the 200 bed Zonal Hospital at Janakpur with 44
medical officers (34 govt and 10 local sources). The health service at village level is provided
by sub health post established in each VDCs of the district and managed by the local
government. However, 20000 populations per doctor and only one hospital in entire district of
670000 populations reveal the kind of patient pressure on hospital and hospital
infrastructure. The situation becomes worse during rainy season.
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The analysis of general health condition in the district outlines that there is immediate need
for massive awareness campaign for sanitation and safe drinking water and against
Vaccination and Ammonization of children and mothers. Discussion with the health worker in
the district revealed that an AHW in VDC has to attend about 60 to 70 patient in a day and if
strengthened with physical and human resources and medicines, it can enhances majorities
of the health indicators.
The District Development Co mmittee is the governing institution in the district headed
by elected chairman and vice chairman and 17 regional members. The local self
go vernance ac t and regulations 1999 has given ample a uthority and responsibility
for planning and implementation of development projects at local level. The existing
orga nizational struc ture and huma n resource s and p hysica l resource s though loo ks
adequate; it has not been able to deliver mainly because the organization set up
has never been completed. Poor maintenance of physical resources and lack of
motivation among the employees are another factors. The district development
committee needs adequate resources at its disposal in order to bring visible change
in quality of life of the people living in 101 VDC s and 1 Municipality of the district. The
local self governance a ct 1999 though has given a uthority to DDC to explore,
generate and expand its resource base and mobilize it to carry out the development
work, it has not been able to do so. In orde r to c arry out the responsibilities envisage d
in the Act, the DDC has to be developed into a competent institution with capable
and efficient human resources and adequate physical resources. The organizational
structure is to be a dop ted fully to ac comp lish the responsibilities entrusted to the
DDC and to establish it as local government in true sense. Partic ipatory approach
has to be ado pted for outlining d ifferent functions and services the DDC is executing
and accordingly these functions should be assigned to the corresponding sections
and subsections. Revenue generation is at present a sub section of financial
administration. As it is one of the most important aspects on which all other
development activities and even empowerment of local governance depends, and
hence resource mobilization should be given a status of section in the organization
directly under the LDO which will work in close coordination with finance
administration a nd other sec tions of DDC .
Ana lyzing all the fac ts suggests that the Dha nusha District ha s been neglected by
central policy makers and development agencies in the past and hence need
spe c ial suppo rt in girl ed uc ation, sanitation and infrastructure buildings through a
complete pac kage. Agriculture is to be perceived as lea d sec tor supplemented with
fishery and da iry development. Livestoc k, forest tourism sec tors are to b e develop ed
through massive social mobilization. Market network, extension services and other
infrastructure are to be developed to support high value agriculture, fishery, dairy
and livestock development. The discriminative thinking and mindset of central level
agencies and planners are to be changed and the district is to be developed to its
full potential. The DDC should have more financial and administrative autonomy to
response to the changing demands of services to uplift the livelihood of the
po pulation of the d istrict.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Background:
The overarching objective of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as defined by its poverty
reduction strategy, is to reduce poverty in the Asia and Pacific region. A recent review of the
strategy underscored the need for ADB to sharpen its country focus by adopting a more
results-oriented approach to operations, providing more flexible financing modalities, and
improving the skills mix of its staff to better address the changing needs of its client
developing member countries (DMCs). These initiatives form the core of ADB’s reform
agenda aimed at achieving greater development effectiveness. Since mid 2003, ADB has
adopted managing for development results (MfDR) as a relevant approach to help focus on
outcomes that matter to DMCs.
ADB has been playing proactive role in the development of its South Asian DMCs1 with the
introduction of results-based country strategy and programs (RB-CSPs) and specialized
technical assistance.
MFDR team of ADB’s South Asia Development Partner in close consultation with
stakeholders developed Regional Technical Assistance (RETA) to assess and then
strengthen DMCs’ capacity for results orientation, which will eventually enable development
partners to rely more confidently on country systems for planning, strategy development,
resource allocation, and accountability of development resources, thus allowing the delivery
of more flexible and relevant forms of development assistance. Accordingly ADB supported
the program “Mainstreaming MfDR in Support for Poverty Reduction in South Asia” and
Nepal is one of the recipient country.
Following the conduct of Readiness Assessments in each of the RETA's pilot organizations
in Nepal, proposals have been put forward to address their respective organizational
performance gaps. One such need is to conduct studies immediately in priority areas
identified in RETA- 6306 implementation plan, i.e., district profile preparation for Dhanusa,
one of the central southern districts deprived of any major development initiative for long
time. This activity is very fundamental to the MfDR process currently under implementation
in the District Development Committee-Dhanusha. District profile preparation of Dhanusa will
be a concrete contribution for improving district planning including internal resource
projection in the district. While many other districts have already prepared their district
profile, Dhanusa district has not been able to do so due to lack of resource. Under its
initiative RETA is committed to prepare the District Profile which will eventually help in
preparing the periodic plan of the district to guide the long term and short term development
in the district. This will also fulfil the obligation of district government as per the Local Self
Governance Act and Regulation.
This district profile has been prepared mainly from secondary information/data available from
different source at district and central level as per the TOR of the assistance. The guideline
of National Planning Commission (NPC) has been followed in the process as far as practical
and possible in the current situation of conflict in the district.
1
The South Asia Department (SARD) includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Maldives, and Sri Lanka, with resident missions in six of these countries, excepting Bhutan and Maldives.
1

1.2 Objectives
The overall objective of the study is to address the organizational performance gap for
mainstreaming the concept and process of MFDR at local level for poverty reduction. This
study will also add to the change management framework in the pilot organizations. The
specific objectives of the study are
• To assess, and assemble in the district profile the available district level data from
various district level offices, local bodies and publications (national and district level)
on the demographic, social, economic, physical and natural resources of Dhanusha
District which will provide the baseline for district level strategic planning.
• To establish a comprehensive baseline information developed on the various
resources (financial and non financial) of the district will enable the DDC to develop
sound strategic periodic plans, wise and Sustainable use of district resources and
contribute to the upliftment of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Dhanusha District.
1.3 Methodology
The NPC guideline for the preparation of district profile has been followed for the collection
of local level data/information, however due to conflict situation and limited resources (time
and fund) household data at VDC level could not be collected. VDC level data have been
collected mainly from the VDCs secretary and Technical Assistant working in the VDCs.
Similarly district level government/NGOs/INGOs have been consulted for relevant
information and data. Following major activities have been performed in order to collect
district and VDC level data/information:
1. Identification of various sources of information at central and local level

2. Preparation of checklists for the collection of sectoral data at district level as per the
NPC guide line for the preparation of district profile
3. Consultation with district secretary and district level program officers at district
development council
4. Hiring and orientation of enumerators: People working in DDC and VDCs were hired
to collect information from VDC secretaries/technical assistants and DDC level
GOs/NGOs.
5. Sectoral experts working at the district level offices and institutions were identified as
key informant survey and consulted using semi structured questionnaires relevant to
the sector.
6. The collected data/information were compiled and tabulated and analyzed
7. Data gaps were identified and filled with pertinent data
8. Draft Report was prepared and submitted to the client for the comments
1.4 Limitation of the study
Authentic and detailed data are the basics of any planning and programming process. All the
sectoral offices are aware of the benefits of authentic and accurate statistics however, the
record keeping and data building are one of the poorest sectors in the district. The resource
centre in the District Development Office is poorly equipped and even the publications of
DDC and other district level institutions are not available in the centre. Planning and
programming in the district is done at sectoral level hence the data are very scattered. Data
are collected at various time by different agencies following different methodologies and
sometime even skewed for different purposes. Data from different sources some time even
contradict each other. These facts reduce the authenticity of data/information.
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Major limitations of the study are outlined as below:

1. Study is based on Secondary data/information
2. Reliability of data from different sources are different
3. Data collection is cumbersome and tedious due to poor data storing and
management at local level.
4. Data from some sector and institution could not be collected due to absence of
concerned authority (office chiefs) and scattered nature of information.
5. Contradicting data/information from different sources
6. Verification of data is very difficult due to terrorised environment in the district
7. Limited time frame and resources
Study Methodology
Award of Study
C onsultation with RETA a nd

finalization of M ethodology
Preparation of
C hec klists for da ta
Selec tion and orientation

of enumerators
Data C ollec tion at Key informant survey with

Village and District level sectoral experts at local level
C ompilation and
Tabulation of Data
Analysis of
Data/Information
Preparation
of Reports
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Chapter 2
Geo-Physi cal Characteristics
2.1 Geograph ical Locati on
Dhanusha is one of the southern Terai districts of Janakpur Zone in the central development
region on Nepal. The total area of the district is 1180 square km and population is 671364
(2001 National Census). Politically Dhanusha district is surrounded by Mahottari District in
the west, Sirha District in the east, Sindhuli District in the North and Bihar State of India in
the south. Janakpur Dham, the only municipality in the district is the District Headquarter
where most of the district level GOs, NGOs and other institutions are positioned.
Dhanusha is developing as commercial and administrative hub in the central Terai of the
nation. Besides it is one of the major religious center in the country with lots of tourism
potential. Janakpur, today’s district headquarter was once the capital of Mithila where
goddess Sita, wife of god Ram was borne and brought up. This makes the district in general
and Janakpur in particular a unique place mainly for Hindus of Indian sub continent and
around the world.
The history of Janakpur and settlements around it dates back to Pre Vedic period which
exhibit that the region (then Mithila) was ruled by ever glorious King Sirdhwoj Janak, father
of goddess Sita. The Hindu mythologies indicate that Janakpur, the capital of Mithila existed
before 5000 BC as the Vedic books like Yajurveda, Satpath Bhraman and others mention
the name Mithila and Janakpur. The great Hindu epic Ramayna gives detailed illustrations of
Mithila and Janakpur where ever glorious marriage ceremony took place between Ram and
Sita. The occasion is still celebrated as the biggest festival of the region, popularly known as
Bibah Panchami in the month of December. All these illustrations indicate that Janakpur and
settlements around it which is now Dhanusha District is very ancient and dates back to pre
Ramayana period though dates could not be confirmed conclusively.
The reign popular and glorious kingdom of Janak dynasty came to an end after having ruled
for 56 generations. After that the history of Mithila and Janakpur remain in a state of oblivion
till 1089 AD when Nanyadev transpire as the ruler of Mithila. In 1114AD, the Sen King of
Makwanpur renovated the Ram Temple and donated enormous land and wealth for its
proper Puja and maintenance. Since then, Janakpur and other places of religious
importance have been the center of religious devotion and adored by millions of Hindus
around the world.
As per Hindu mythology, a great drought took many lives and brought misery to the people
of Mithila during the reign King Sirdhwaj Janak the 22nd king of Janak dynasty. The king
himself ploughed the field to end drought as per the advices of his scholars. He found a girl
child when ploughing the land and named her Janaki. Later on King Sirdhwaj put forward a
condition that Janki, his all wise and beautiful daughter will marry the person who can
operate the mighty bow of Lord Shiva kept in his palace. Many powerful people and kings
tried but could not even lift. Prince of Ayodhya, Lord Ram visited Janakpur with his brother
Laxman and teacher Vishwamitra. Lord Rama lifted the mighty bow which broke when he
tried to tie the string due to its massiveness. As per the mythology, one of the pieces of the
-4-

bow fell and still lying in a place popularly known as Dhanusha Dham situated about 15 km
north of Janakpur. The district is named after this place Dhanusha Dham.
During unification of Nepal, this region was brought under Shah Dynasty and Janakpur
became one of the administrative center basically to collect the land and other taxes and
govern the people in the region. Later on when nation was divided into 14 zones and 75
district administratively, Dhanusha district was created with it’s headquarter in the Janakpur.
Janakpur due to its strategic location is dominant in central southern region of the nation and
Madhesis of the region (from Koshi to Bagmati) draw their identity from it.
The district Dhanusha is spread over latitude of 260 35' North – 270 5' North to longitude of
850 52' east – 860 20' east (Topographical map of the district). The district is extending from
Terai in the South to Sivalic in the North due to its north south elongated Shape. The
average North South length of the district is about 45.27km and East West width about 27.47
km. The maximum and minimum north south lengths are 58km and 39km respectively. The
maximum and minimum East West widths of the district are 34km and 22km respectively.
Sindhuli
North
Latitude of 260 35' –
270 5' North
Longitude of 850 52'
– 860 20' east
Mahottari Sirha
Area = 1180 square km

-!!())) x]=_
Indian State of Bihar
Administratively, the district comprised of 101 VDCs and 1 Municipality clubbed in 17 Ilakas
and 7 electoral constituencies (DDC, Dhanusha). In last general election, there were only
five electoral constituencies.
-5-

The distribution of VDCs in recent and past electoral constituency is illustrated below:
Table No 2.1 Distributio n of VDCs in Const ituencies

2007 Constituency Demarcation Previous Constituency demarcation
Con. Con.
No of VDCs/ Municipalit y No of VDCs/ Municipalit y Ilaka Nos
No. No.
1 18 1 24 1,2 &3
2 18 2 22 4,5,6&7
3 17 3 23 8,9,&10
4 5 VDCs & 1 Municipality 4 13 VDCs& 1 Municipality 11,12,13&14
5 15 5 19 15,16,&17
6 15
7 13
Source: District election commission’s office Dhanusha
2.2 Topogr aphy and Slope Analy sis
The topographical analysis of the district exhibits that the district is divided in three
topographical zones namely Sivalic in the North, Bhanwar in the middle and Terai in the
south. The altitude of Sivalic area ranges between 300m amsl to 600m amsl, Bhanwar
ranges between 150m amsl to 300m amsl and Terai ranges between 60m amsl to 150m
amsl.
Table 2.2 Land Form of Dhanusha District

Descrip tio n Area in Ha % Area A lti tud e Average Slope
1 Sivalic (Chure) 2548.66 21.59 300-600 150 to 250
2 Bhanwar 3242.01 27.46 150-300 100 to 150
3 Terai 6016.15 50.95 60-150 30 to 100
To tal 11806.82 100.00 60-600
Source: District Profile of Dhanusha 2002
Topgraphical map of the district
More that 50 percent of area is under Terai, densely populated with Madhesi people while
Bhanwar region thinly populated with both Madhesis and migrated Pahadias from mountain
and hilly region. Sivalik is scantly populated with mainly people from Pahadi origin.
2.3 Soil Characteristics
The southern Terai of the district is characterized by Alluvial soil with very high fertility while
the Bhanwar Sivalic range is characterized with sand, gravel and boulder mixed soil. Rocks
are generally not found in the district making Sivalic Bhanwar zone more fragile and
susceptive to soil erosion mainly because of weak and thin vegetative cover in the area.
2.4 Hydrol ogy and Ecolog ical Featur es
The district falls under arid and semi arid hydrological zone with average annual minimum
temperature 10.70C and average annual maximum temperature 29.70C. The average annual
rainfall is 1479.8mm which occurs within 3 to 4 months time span. Due to altitude difference,
the weather varies within the district from North to South and hence the bio diversity.
-6-

The district is famous for its water resources with more than 50 religious ponds, numerous
other ponds and rivers and streams. Major rivers of the district are Kamala, Jalad, Dudhmati,
Jamuni, Charnath, Rato, Badhari, Jagdhar and Parsuram Khola. Among them Kamla, Rato,
Jalad and Jamuni are perennial while others are rain fed rivers. Besides, the district is
comprised of many small stream and Khola.
The slope analysis exhibits that the northern area (Chure and Bhanwar) falls under steep
slope while the Terai under mild slope. This causes high water current in the rivers during
rainy season in northern belt while water pooling in the southern area resulting into massive
flooding and soil erosion of the fertile land in the Terai region. The problem is further
aggravated with deforestation in Bhanwar area due to internal migration from hill and
mountain to the Terai following construction of National Highway. The district has
experienced one of worst flood this year in last few decades. Most of the VDCs and even
some wards of Janakpur Municipality of water logged for weeks. The worst affected area of
the districts are Chora Kohalpur, Bisarbhora, Harine, Singyahimadan, Durbakot Hathletwa,
Lakkar, Balha Saghara and Patnuka VDCs. All these VDCs are affected by changing course
of Kamla River and its excessive discharge during monsoon.
Land capability and water resources of the district exhibit tremendous potential for primary
sector (agriculture, fishery, forestry and animal husbandry) development; however the land
form compounded with deforestation has caused loss of fertile land and infrastructure due to
annual and periodic floods in the district. The flood plains of the most of the river and stream
in the district are environmentally sensitive as they are prone to soil erosion.
-7-

Chapter 3
Population Profile and Projections
3.1 Populati on Size
As per the national census 2001, the total population of the Dhanusha District is 671,364
which are 2.9 percent of the national population. The total population is comprised of
349,422 male and 321,942 female. The total number of house hold in the district is 117,417
with average size of 5.72
Table 3.1 Population Statistics of the District
Descri pti on 1971 1981 1991 2001 2006 (Est)
Total Population 330601 432,569 543,762 671,364 747400
Male 224,900 281,775 349,422 385980
Female 207,669 261,897 321,942 361420
No. Of House Hold 79,785 98,358 117,417 121287
Average Household Size 5.42 5.53 5.72 5.72
Area in sq. Km. 1,180 1,180 1,180 1180
Population Density 367 461 569 633
Person/Sq. Km.
Annual Population Growth 2.69 2.29 2.11 2.11
Rate
Source: National Censuses
The VDC wise male female population of the district is presented in the annex 1. The
national census 2001 has not counted the population who have been outside the district for
more than six months. As many of the permanent resident of the district are working in
GOs/NGOs/private sector at national and international level, the actual population is
considerably more than the census population. The recent population of the district could not
be found out as the district level census has not been done and district level data could not
be updated due to political conflict in the district. The population density of 569 is highest in
central Terai and 4th highest in the nation after Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. The total
area of the district is 1180 square km which is 0.8 percent of national area (147,181 square
km).
3.2 Populati on Growt h Rate
The annual population growth rate of the district has fallen from 2.69 percent in 1971-81 to
2.11 in 1991-2001. This change could be attributed to the combined effect of decreased rate
of migration of people from hill and mountain to the district and increased rate of temporary
migration of people to other district and other countries specially India and Middle East in
search of economic opportunities. The other factor could be increased awareness of family
planning and use of contraceptive in the district. The population growth rate of the district
has slightly fallen than the national average of 2.24 percent and is coherent with the
neighbouring district of Mahottari, Sarlahi and Sirha. For future projections, the annual
population growth rate of the district has been assumed to be 2.11 percent. With this
population growth rate, the population will be doubled in 33 years time period.
Table 3.2 Population Growth Rate
Population Population Growth Rate
Description 1971 1981 1991 2001 1971-81 1981-91 1991-2001
Nepal 11,555,983 15,022,339 18,491,097 23,151,423 2.62 2.1 2.24
Dhanusha 330,601 432,569 543,672 671,364 2.69 2.64 2.11
Source: National Ce nsuses
-8-

Table 3.3 Populati on Project ion for th e Next Decade (Growth Rate 2.11)
Ag e 2001 year 2006 year 2011 year
group
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
0-4 99,206 51,221 47,985 111,381 56,881 54,500 110,420 55,820 54,600
5-.9 96,390 49,932 46,458 98,480 51,156 47,324 110,819 56,884 53,936
10-.14 75,862 40,461 35,401 78,929 41,894 37,035 80,592 42,857 37,735
15-19 58,852 32,650 26,202 67,876 38,338 29,538 70,505 39,643 30,862
20-24 56,006 28,605 27,401 64,573 33,447 31,125 74,288 39,270 35,018
25-29 53,999 27,016 26,983 62,103 30,945 31,158 71,711 36,264 35,448
30-34 47,911 23,051 24,860 54,838 25,596 29,242 63,279 29,397 33,883
35-39 42,315 21,985 20,330 48,629 24,580 24,049 55,783 27,386 28,396
40-44 34,551 17,994 16,557 39,925 20,364 19,561 46,076 22,842 23,234
45-49 29,301 15,996 13,304 33,760 18,006 15,754 39,137 20,456 18,681
50-54 21,837 11,995 9 ,842 24,921 13,316 11,605 28,866 15,055 13,810
55-59 17,126 9,356 7,770 19,197 10,276 8,921 22,058 11,475 10,583
60-64 14,045 7,281 6,764 15,550 7,957 7,593 17,606 8,810 8,795
65-69 10,262 5,018 5,244 11,420 5,473 5,948 12,786 6,040 6,746
70-74 7,011 3,385 3,626 8,134 3,795 4,340 9,181 4,190 4,991
75+ 6,690 3,475 3,216 7,684 3,956 3,727 8,954 4,504 4,450
Total 671,364 349,421 321,943 747,400 385,980 361,420 822,061 420,893 401,168

Considering 2.11 as the annual population growth rate for next one decade, the population
of the district has been projected as depicted in Table 3.3.The population projection exhibits
that the population will reach 822061 in 2011. The present male female ratio of 108 males
for 100 females will decrease to 104 males for each 100 females. This population projection
may not hold good if there is substantial change in migration rate mainly due to ongoing
conflict.
3.3 Component Analysis of Population
The population growth in the district is mainly due to natural Personal Year
Events 2004 2003
growth, however a substantial in migration from hill and
mountain to Bhanwar region is visible though a concrete Birth 12793 17078
data is not available at district level as it is not mandatory to CBR 25
register the migration. Internal migration from rural to urban Death 1366 2507
is prevalent. The municipal information indicate that people CDR 4
from neighbouring districts like Mahottari, Sarlahi and Sirha Marriage 2046 3234
are migrating to Janakpur contributing to high population
Divorrce 3
growth rate in the urban area. Similarly other major vital
Migration 1354 719
statistics of population are improving though with very slow
Source : District Statistics Office
pace indicates increasing health awareness among the
population. High child mortality rate and Maternal mortality
rate shows the need of massive effort of NGOs and GOs to
run necessary programs in the district.
-9-

Table 3.4 Vital Statistics of the district

s. no Descripti on Distric t Level National Level
1 Fertility Rate (per women) 4.2 4.3
2 Crude Birth Rate/000 pop 25 37
3 Crude Death Rate/000 pop 4 12
Maternal Mortality Death Rate/00000
4 pop 762 740
Child mortality Rate/000 Pop (Below 5
5 year age) 111.2 91
Infant Mortality Rate/000 pop (Below
6 one year age) 68 66
Source: CBS, District Profile2004
District Health office 2006
The vital statistics presented in the table is basically the registered cases in the district and
village levels, however the personal events are not properly and timely registered even
though it is mandatory because of low level of education and awareness among the majority
of the population in the district.. However, the personal event registration culture is in rise
among the villagers.
3.4 Population Composition Table 3.5 Age Sex Composition 2001

Age Group Total Male Female Total %
Age sex composition of the population
in district shows that male population is 0-4 YEA RS 87943 44745 43198 13.10966
about 3 percent higher that female 5-9 YEA RS 103835 53778 50057 15.47868
population. More than 40 percent of 10-14 YEA RS 79843 43242 36601 11.90219
the population is under age 14 years. It
15-44 YEA RS 288833 148421 140412 43.05632
indicates that the future population
growth will continue to be higher as 45-59 YEA RS 69665 38364 31301 10.38496
large population will be entering into 60-74 YEA RS 33568 16744 16824 5.00398
productive age. More than 53 percent 75 & OVER 7139 3649 3490 1.06421
of population are in productive age (15
Total 670826 348943 321883 100
to 59). It exhibits the huge of pool of
human resources in the district. Percenta ge 100 52 48
Large number of population under economically active age indicates its strength which can
contribute immensely in the development of the district if utilized properly. At the same time it
could be dangerous if their aspirations are not fulfilled and their energy is not properly
channelized. Emergence of numerous insurgent groups and criminal institutions in the district
and involvement of youth in those activities show the government inability to fulfil the
aspirations and meaningful exploitation of the large human resources of the district. The
detailed age sex composition of the district is presented in annex 2.
3.5 Population Distribut ion
Dhanusha district occupies only 0.8 percent of total land area providing shelter to 2.95
percent of total national population. The population share at national level of the district has
increased from 2.88 percent in 1981 to 2.94 in 1991. During this period, massive
deforestation occurred along the national highway and migration of people from hill and
mountain to the district took place as per then national policy to distribute the national
resources to Pahadi origin people.
-10-

The population density has Table 3.6 Population Share of Dhanusha in Nepal
increased from 280 persons Population
per square in 1971 to 569
Region 1971 1981 1991 2001
PPSq Km in 2001. Number of
Hat Bazar (small market Dhanusha 330,601 432569 543672 671364
centers) experienced Nepal 11,555,983 15022339 18491097 22736934
population concentration due Percentage 2.86 2.88 2.94 2.95
to internal migration resulting Density 280 367 461 569
into growth of urban and semi Source: CBS C ensuses
urban centers in the district.
Numerous new market centers emerged along the national highway where majority of
migrated people from north settled.
The major dense settlements of the district are Janakpur Municipality, Mahendranagar
Sakhuwa, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendra Nagar), Yagyabhumi (Kanchi Bazar),
Ragunathpur, Umaprempur, Fulgama, Bengadabar, Fulgama, Dhalkewar, Godar etc. The
spatial structure of settlements shows that settlements are in different hierarchy. Janakpur,
the only municipality and district headquarter functions as central place in the district while
emerging towns like Mahendranagar, Dharapani, Yagyabhumi, Godar functions as 2nd order
settlement in the district. Weekly Hat Bazars function as service centers and are 3rd order of
settlement while other settlements are at the lowest order. Each center has well defined
linkage with higher order settlement and its hinterland in the form of flow of agricultural
products and services.
3.6 Population by Religion
People from different religions are have been residing in the Dhanusha district, however
majority of the population (90%) are Hindus followed by Muslims(8.4) and Baudh(1.4).
People from other religion like Christian, Kirat, Jain and Sikh are also living in the districts.
The recent political movement has declared the country as secular state and given right to
every religion to practice their teachings. It may have some impact on population distribution
by religion in future as religious conversion is becoming more recurrent.
Table 3.7 Population Distr ibut ion as per Religio n 2001
Religion
Ar ea Descr ip ti on Tot al Hindu Baudh Muslim Kirat Jain Christian Sikh Others
Population 22736934 18330121 2442520 954023 818106 4108 101976 5890 80190
Nepal Percentage 100 80.62 10.74 4.2 3.6 0.02 0.45 0.03 0.35
Population 671364 604763 9696 56124 25 23 230 17 486
Dhanusha Percentage 100 90.08 1.444 8.36 0.004 0.003 0.034 0.003 0.072
Source: District Statistic O ffice Dhanusha
3.7 Population by Ethnicity
The national census 2001 shows that about 96 ethnic/castes are living in the district out of
which 60 castes belongs to Terai origin comprising about 90 percent of the total population
and 26 castes to Pahad Origin with 10 percent of total population. At national level, 103
castes including unidentified have been enumerated in the census.
-11-

The VDCs level ethnicity data Table 3.8 Population Distribution as per Ethnicity
presented in the national census S. No Ethnici ty Population Percentage
2001 has lots of discrepancies Total 671364 100
resulting on doubts over credibility of 1 Yadav 117938 17.57
data itself specially in listing the 2 Muslim 56996 8.49
Pahadi origin people. As per the 3 Kewat 41570 6.19
VDCs Secretaries, most of the VDCs 4 Dhanuk 33858 5.04
in the southern area of the district do
5 Teli 33851 5.04
not have people from Pahad origin
6 Koiri 31156 4.64
while few households are enlisted in
the census data. Similar cases are 7 Sudi 30057 4.48
prevalent about the Terai Castes too. 8 Bahun (pahad) 25460 3.79
Chamar
Majority of the population in the 9 (Harijan, Ram) 22678 3.38
district comes from Yadav 10 Tatma 22643 3.37
Community (17.57%) followed by 11 Others 255157 38.01
Muslim (8.49%) and Kewat (6.2%). Source: Na tional C ensus 2001
Other prominent castes in the districts are Dhanuk, Teli, Koiri, sudi, Tatma and Chamar. The
major pahade caste is Bramhin (3.8%) in the district. Analysis of the prevalent ethnic
population in the district shows that besides Yadav, most of the dominant castes belong to
disadvantaged group (Dalit and Janjati), still they are least represented in political, economic
and social arena proving that Terai Dalit and Janjati are most disadvantaged group in the
nation as depicted by DFID in its study “ The Unequal Citizen”. The detailed ethnic/caste
population is presented in the annex 3.
Muslim in Dhanusha
Muslim constitutes most districts as well as defined minority religious group in the Hindu holy
place of Dhanusha district. Beside their adherence to Islam their socio-cultural affiliation too
gives Muslim a district identity in a predominant religious set-up. According to census 2001
there are 56124 population of Muslim in Dhanusha district comprising 8.36% of the total
population of the district. The Muslim population of this district is quite disperses in different
villages, but their major concentration is in 66 villages of this districts.
The Muslims of this district have their own district socio-cultural norms and values and they
are free to practice without any problem. The social criteria determined and defined by
majority Hindu group discriminate in different mainstream development. In addition to
political problem Muslim are facing a large number of socio-cultural problem in response to
preserve their cultural identity and to achieve equal status and opportunities in decision
making process and economic development practices
Dalit Population
The National Dalit Commission has identified various Ethnic Groups/Castes as Dalit listed
as below. Viswokarma (Kami, Sunar, Lohar, Tamata, Chunara, Aabad), Darji (Damai,
Pariyar, Hurkhe, Dholi) Sarki (Mijar, Charmkar), Badi, Gaine (Gandharv), Kapali, Khadgi,
Deula, Kuche, Chamar, Dusadh (Paswan, Hajara), Dhobi (Rajak), Tatma, Dom, Baantar,
Khatwe, Mushar, Halkhor and Patharkatta.
The population census exhibits that 17 dalit castes are living in the district with total
population of 17.23 percent.
-12-

Table 3.9 Dalit Population in the District

The population distribution reveals that S. No Ethnicit y Population Percent
Chamar and Tatma are dominant dalit Total 115942 17.27
with 3.38 and 3.37 percent of total 1 Chamar 22678 3.38
population respectively followed by 2 Tatma 22643 3.37
3 Dusadh, 16381 2.44
Dusadh, Mushar and Khatwe (2.44, 3.55
4 Mushar 15744 2.35
and 2.14 percent) respectively. Other
5 Khatwe 14347 2.14
castes like Sonar, Lohar, Dhobi, Kami and
6 Sonar 6350 0.95
sarki are also in substantial number.
7 Lohar 4082 0.61
Others are few in numbers but important 8 Dhobi 3569 0.53
from planning and development 9 Kami 3533 0.53
perspective as each group has its own 10 Sarki 3301 0.49
way of living and development dynamics. 11 Damai 1061 0.16
Each group has to be planned individually 12 Dom 914 0.14
as they have different constraints, 13 Halkhor 617 0.09
strengths and weaknesses and hence 14 Baantar 139 0.02
target program has to run to uplift lower 15 Koche 46 0.01
16 Baadi 16 0
strata of the society.
17 Gaine 5 0
18 Unidentified 516 0.08
3.8 Populati on by Language Source: Nationa l Census 2001
People from different ethnic group are living in the district, however over the passage of time
most of the ethnic community has adopted Nepali and Maithili, local language in the district
as their Mother tongue. Most of Newar living in Janakpur Municipality and in Southern VDCs
of the district does not know how to speak and read and write Newari. Majority of the
population speak Maithili (87.4%) as their mother tongue followed by Nepali (6.96%) and
Tamang (0.99%). Around 18 other languages are spoken in the district though the number is
insignificant. Although Maithili language is spoken through out the district as Mother Tongue,
the Muslim community claim Urdu as their mother tongue and cultural language and hence
their medium of instruction in their community owned private Madarsa is Urdu.
Table 3.10 Linguistic Population

Mother 1981 1991 1981 1991
Tongue Popn Percent Popn Percent Mother Tongue Popn Percent Popn Percent
Nepali 38140 8.82 37855 6.96 Rai-Kirati 185 0.04 322 0.06
Bhote &
Maitha li 372515 86.12 475016 87.37 Sherpa 236 0.05 209 0.04
Bhojpuri 2848 0.66 548 0.10 Tha kali 8 0.00 38 0.01
Newari 985 0.23 589 0.11 Rajbansi 3 0.00 5 0.00
G urung 40 0.01 83 0.02 Satar 6 0.00 11 0.00
Tamang 3251 0.75 5404 0.99 Sunuwar - -
Abadhi 8 0.00 3 0.00 Danuwar 70 0.02 1023 0.19
Tharu 33 0.01 146 0.03 Sinthal 235 0.05 2 0.00
Local
Magar 1594 0.37 4573 0.84 Lang uage s - 396 0.07
Limbu 17 0.00 66 0.01 Othe rs 12395 2.87 14698 2.70
Hindi 0.00 2639 0.49 English - 46 0.01
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3.9 Population Distribut ion as per Settlement
The district is comprised of more than 280 sizable settlements evenly distributed in mid and
southern area. The average distance between adjacent settlements in this area is about 3km
while in Northern region, settlements are distantly located. There are new settlements
coming up adjacent to the old settlement popularly known as Navtoli to accommodate the
increasing population of the VDCs/settlements.
Table 3.11 Popul ation o f Top Ten Settlements
VDC / Municipalit y Total No. of Population
Households Total Male Female
Janakpur N.P. 13734 74192 40108 34084
Sakhuwa Mahendranagar 2337 13789 7182 6607
Bharatpur 2567 13769 6870 6899
Yagyabhumi 2448 13054 6618 6436
Raghunathpur 2218 11758 5731 6027
Umaprempur 1888 11277 5815 5462
Fulgama 1840 10820 5599 5221
Begadawar 1965 10638 5513 5125
Dhalkebar 1772 9912 5132 4780
Khariyani 1609 9474 4929 4545
Marchaijhitakaiya 1597 9162 4717 4445
Source: National Census 2001
The district map shows that settlements beyond National highways are generally separated
by average distance of 8 to 10km. Administratively, these settlements are grouped in 101
VDCs and 1 Municipality. Besides municipality, 5 VDCs have population more than 10000.
Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendra Nagar), and Yagyabhumi (Kanchi
Bazar) are emerging urban centres in the districts. 55 VDCs of the districts have population
more than 5000 and less than 10000. Others have population less than 5000. The VDCs
wise male and female population is attached in annex 4
3.10 Analysis of Population Growth

Higher population growth of the district is mainly the cause of high fertility rate and natural
growth rate beside the migration of people from hill and mountain to the district. The high
fertility rate is the cause of rampant poverty and low girl education in the southern and
middle area of the district. Though the migration data available in the district indicate that
the rate has drastically gone down during the last decade, the local people and official thinks
other way around as majority of the migration is not reported to the registrar office as it is not
necessary legally. The recent migration trend indicates that the majority of the migrants are
economically poor and encouraged by their relatives as they can the government land and
forest for their shelter and livelihood. This section of society even does not know what
migration is or whether they should register it or not. However, this section of the society
have been encouraged by the government policy and district authorities in the past by
providing better access to natural resources, budgetary sources and political power. The
recent conflict in the district is rooted in planned discrimination against the majorities by the
government and district authorities in the past and their reluctance to give up the political,
administrative and financial power to the local inhabitants. This is heading towards racial
conflict which may cause major population distortions in the recent future of not resolved in
time.
-14-

The ever increasing population in the district is posing great pressure on resources like
forests, agricultural lands, surface and ground water and prevailing services in different
service centres and headquarter. Patients sharing beds or lying on floors in the hospitals are
one of the examples. Similarly high population growth is resulting into decline in opportunity
for employment, land fragmentation and diminished return, encroachment on
environmentally sensitive zone, emergence of new settlements or extension of existing
settlements and negative impact on biodiversity of the district. The increasing population has
also adverse impact on disaster management.
However, the high population growth can also be analysed from positive perspective as it will
increase the human resources. If the human resources are trained and skilled, they can
bring substantial economic resources in the form of internal and external remittance which
will ultimately contribute in development of the district and nation at large. The prevailing
trend of seasonal migration of labour to India and Middle East and its impact on poverty and
development of the settlements in the district are eye opening examples.
3.11 Urbanization and Urban Populati on
Janakpur is the only designated municipality (urban area) in the district however there are
few emerging centres with urban way of living and infrastructure and market centers
popularly known as emerging towns or small towns or emerging municipalities. These are
basically traditional market centers developed as service centers due its strategic location
along the highway and its connectivity to surrounding settlements. These centers are
functioning as outlet for the agricultural product on one hand and service center to provide
banking services, agriculture extension services, educational and health services, animal
husbandry related services etc to its hinterlands. These emerging urban centers are
Sakhuwa Mahendranagar, Bharatpur (Dharapani/Birendranagar), Yagyabhumi (Kanchi
Bazar), Dhalkewar and Godar.
Table 3.12 Urban Population

VDC / Municipalit y Total No. Population Urban Pop 2011
of HH Total Male Female Popn % (Projected)
Janakpur N.P. 13734 74192 40108 34084 11.05 109804

Sakhuwa 2337 13789 7182 6607 2.05 17236
Mahendranagar
Bharatpur Dharapani/ 2567 13769 6870 6899 2.05 17211
Birendranagar)
Yagyabhumi 2448 13054 6618 6436 1.94 16317
(Kanchi Bazar)
Dhalkebar 1772 9912 5132 4780 1.48 12390
Godar 1367 7122 3538 2965 1.06 8902
Total 24225 131838 69448 61771 19.64 181861
District Population 671364
National Urban Population 14.2%
Source: Nationa l C ensus 2001
The table above points that total urban population of the district is 11.05% against 14.2
percent of National Urban population. Janakpur has been one of the prominent urban center
-15-

since inception of the urban concept in the country, however its development could not
compete with the urbanization pace of other comparatively new towns like Bharatpur,
Hetauda, Bhairahwa etc despite huge potential mainly due to lack of government initiative
and weak linkages with Indian towns across the boarder. The urban growth rate of district is
about 4.8 percent which is moderate in the nation. The total area of Janakpur is 24.61
square km and population density of 3014.71 person/sq km which is far ahead of national
average of 985.23 persons/sq km. The urban population has changed from 14294 in 1971 to
34800 in 1981 and 55000 in 1991. Assuming the annual future population growth around 4.8
percent, the population of Janakpur Municipality will reach 109804 in 2011. If other
urbanizing VDCs are also put together, the total urban population of the district will reach
182000 considering 2.25 as annual population growth rate of other VDCs
However, if the urbanizing centers are considered to be urban area then the total urban
population is about 19.64 of the total population. The urbanization trend and population
concentration in these centers are increasing due to increased opportunities in these centers
and marginal opportunities in the rural hinterland. The economic factor compounded with
conflict situation in the district is going to increase the rural urban migration in recent days
which will have adverse impact on dilapidated infrastructure and organic ugly land
development in those centers. The present pathetic development trend of Janakpur
Municipality will lead it to develop in to city of slums and other centers will face the same fate
if not intervened in planned way. The present urbanization trend indicate that an urban
corridor from Dhalkewar on East West highway to Janakpur will develop to cater the
industrial and settlement development in the district. The ongoing development of road and
rail networks across the boarder in Bihar will increase trade and commerce opportunities and
hence urbanization in Janakpur in particular and in district at large.
3.12 Landuse
The LRMP 1978 mentions that landuse of Dhanusha is dominated by agricultural land (70.
11%) followed by Forest (24. 96%) however the 1991 topographical survey indicate decline
in both agricultural and forest land mainly to urban and rural settlements. Different sources
like district agriculture office and district forest office show variation of 3 to 4 percentage in
landuse of agriculture and forest. This is mainly due to fact that that these sources has
neglected the built up area (urban and rural) in the district. The landuse has changed over
the year due to deforestation and conversion of agriculture land to built up area. Due to
continued flooding and aggradations of rivers in the district, land under sandy and gravel has
increased.
Table 3.13 Landuse 1991
Area in
Landuse ha %
Agriculture 77310.3 65.52
Forest 27487.7 23.29
Barron land 18 0.02
Urba n 1687.3 1.43
Rural
Settlement 3030.6 2.57
Water bod y 2002.1 1.70
Grazing Land 1555.6 1.32
Sandy/gravel
Land 4908.4 4.16
Total 118000 100
Source : Top og raphic al Survey Ma p 1991
-16-

Chapter 4
Distri ct Economy and Employment Situation

4.1 District Economic Structure and Sectoral Share
Dhanusha is predominantly an agriculture dependent district as most of the district of the
country. Around 50% of economically active population are engaged in agriculture sector
followed by Hotel and Restaurant (13.73) and Production and Recycling (12.87). Other major
occupations of the people Dhanusha are Construction, General Administration, Education
etc.
Table 3.11 clearly shows that the active population has risen from 51.04% in 1981 to 55.62%
in 2001 while the national active population decreased from 65.14 in 1981 to 56.56 in 1991
and has reached 59.03 in 2001. The sharp decline both at national and district level in
economically active population during 1981 and 1991 is basically change in definition by the
census itself. The current trend is promising as the economically active population is
increasing with high pace even though it is below the national average. Though the women
share in economic activities has drastically increased from 14.2 percent in 1991 to 38.7
percent in 2001, it is far below the national average of 50.87. This is mainly attributed to the
lower level of education among female in the district and Terai region. The cultural barrier is
one of the cause of involvement of women in economic activities in the district.
Table 4.1 Economically Active Population ab ove 10 Yrs of age
Description 1981 Census 1991 Census 2001 Census
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female %
Economically 154385 133228 21157 159530 133951 25579 266738 178223 88515 55.6
Active
Economically 148049 24613 123436 213385 58926 154459 212823 72662 140161 44.4
inactive
Total 302434 157841 144593 372915 192877 180038 479561 250885 228676 100
Active Pop % 51.04 84.40 14.63 42.78 69.45 14.2 55.62 71.03 38.70
National 65.14 83.15 46.21 56.56 50 59.19 59.03 67.3 50.87
Table 4.2 Economi cally Sector al Active

The occupational structure of the district shows that the Population 2001
dependency of population on agriculture is decreasing
Sectors % of Population
and service sector is growing though with low pace.
This is due to diminishing return of agriculture and Agriculture and Forestry 49.6
Fishery 0.22
growing profit in service sector compounded with Mining and Quarrying 0.04
increasing education level in the district. Dependency Production and Recycling 12.87
of women is still high in agriculture indicating the need Service 1.75
Construction 4.92
for support to break the vicious circle of poverty and Trade and Commerce 13.73
gender discrimination. Hotel and Restaurants 1.36
Transportation and Comm. 2.38
Brokers 0.89
Dhanusha is famous for ponds and its fishery, however
Sale/hire/Purchase/ Rental 0.47
the low level of participation in fishery despite very high General Administration and
returns proves the lower level of awareness among the Social security 4.93
people about the new technology and benefits of the Education 2.58
Health 0.9
industry.The private sector in the district is still under Social works 1.04
developed though they are major employment provider Personal Business 1.5
to the semi skilled and unskilled labour. Trade and Private Organizations 1.14
Unknown 0.13
commerce and construction industries are leading
Source: District Statistics Office
among the employment providers.
-17-

The recent development of mass media specially FM and news paper has also created more
than 1000 jobs in last two years as 7 FM stations have started their operation in the district
within span of two years
Table 3.13 flashes that entrepreneurship is

still under developed. People opt for doing Table 4.3 Econom ically act ive Populati on in % 2001
works for others rather than creating jobs in Self Unpaid Family
the district. However, the high percentage Employer Employee Employed Worker
of self employment points toward the petty 4.2 41.58 46.27 7.95
shops, repair centers and other very small Sourc e; District Statistics Office
businesses.
Table : 4.4 Econom ically Act ive Population by Professi on 2001

Technical Clerks Service Unskilled & Art Mech
Managers Busi and / and Skilled labour and anics/ Un
/high ness Profession Assist Trade in primary Artifac Driver Other kno
Officials Man als ants Workers sector ts s s wn
0.66 3.08 3.01 3.3 13 36.52 12.44 1.63 26.26 0.1
The professional composition of labour force shows that very few people are engaged as
managers and high administrative job, however a sizable number of population (3%) are
involved in technical jobs. The above figures point towards very weak economy despite huge
potential in agriculture, forestry, fishery and tourism which can create numerous jobs in
service sector to support the input and trading demand of primary sector.
Table 4.5 Major Causes f or Econ omically Inactiveness (age 10yrs and above)
Population in Percentage
Total Economically Absence of Old Other source Disab Sick Oth Unkn
Inactive Population Study Opportunity age of Income ility ness ers own
47.5 32.8 44.5 7.4 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.7 1.7


The key informant survey revealed that the major cause of the inactiveness of majority of the
population is the unavailability of proper employment opportunity in the district. Despite
diminishing returns of agriculture, the majority of population are bound to work in agriculture
sector due to lack of skill and off farm activities in the district. The social activists of the
district presented the fact that southern VDCs of the district experience seasonal migration
of unskilled worker (about 100 to 150 person/VDCs) to Assam and Punjab of Indian state
which sometime create labour shortage in monsoon season in the district.
The location quotient for each contributing industry in local economy could not be calculated
in absence of local and national production data of each sector, however employment has
been used as proxy indicator to identify the lead sector in the district. The location quotient is
defined as (Ri/R)/(Ni/N), where Ri is total employment generated by i sector in the district, R
is the total employment generated by all sectors in the district, Ni is the total employment
generated by i sector at national level and N is the total employment generated by all sectors
in the nation.
-18-

4.2 Specialization of Sectoral Economy

Table 4.6 Location Quotient of each Sector
Using this concept the comparative 2001
advantage of the district is evident in Sectors LQ
fishery sector with LQ as 2.57. Agriculture and forestry 0.76
Fishing 2.57
Manufacturing and recycling industry has Mining and quarrying 0.25
moderate LQ as 1.46 while in most of the Manufacturing and recycling 1.46
services, LQ of the district is higher. It Electricity, gas and water supply 1.17
shows that output or profitability of the Construction 1.70
Wholesale and retail trade 1.57
investment is higher in fishery, services
Hotels and restaurants 1.11
and manufacturing and recycling industry. Transport, storage and
Despite major employment provider in the communication 1.46
district, Agriculture and Forestry promise Financial intermediation 1.88
lower return of the investment in the Real estate, renting and business
activities 1.56
district. This analysis gives simple Public administration and social
information that the district needs security 2.43
immediate investment in infrastructure Education 1.12
development and in fishery sector. The Health and social work 1.44
Other community, social and
least priority area for investment in the
personal service activities 1.42
district seems to be mining and quarrying Private households with employed
though sand and gravel quarrying is major persons 1.41
source of income for the district Extra-territorial organizations and
government. However, due to broad base, bodies 1.94
Not Reported 0.57
agriculture must be the major recipient of
national investment in the district.
The foreign employment information is not available though the total number of absentee by
the destination abroad gives fair idea. The total number of absentee from Dhanusha is over
13000. About 48 percent have gone to India and 52 percent to other country. At national
level the total number of absentee is about 76000 out of which 77 percent are in India and 23
percent in other country (Census 2001). This clearly indicates that manpower supply to third
country has developed as industry in past one decade and remittance is the major
contributor to the local level economy, though authentic information about remittances is not
available. This points that the district should invest in human resource development through
various capacity building trainings for potential foreign employment seekers and should
support in building relevant infrastructure in this regard.
4.3 Economic Linkage
Internal and external import export information is not available as the custom and tax offices
are not segregating the data for district level. However, the officers in those offices
emphasized that the Dhanusha district has very strong economic relation with Mahottari,
Sarlahi and Sirha for trading of goods and services available in those district. For imported
goods and specialized services, the district has very strong economic linkage with the
national capital Kathmandu and commercial capital Birgunj. Dhanusha, being the border
district in Central South has robust economic link with some of the border town in Bihar state
of India. The local chamber of commerce stressed more than 50 percent trade of district is
with India. The local markets on either side of the border have both formal and informal
-19-

trading practices. The slow pace of development in Dhanusha is also attributed to weak and
inefficient linkage and accessibility across the boarder which substantially decreases the
trading capacity of the district. The recent on going development on the other side of border
mainly construction of and strengthening of National Highway linking major cities of north
Bihar to Nepal boarder and extension of broad-gauge rail head to Jaynagar will have major
impacts on Development of the district. This will further need strengthening of the dilapidated
road link between Dhalkewar and Janakpur. The total cash inflow and outflow to the district
through various sources are not available, however major contributors are export, salaries of
government and other sector employee and remittances along with government grant other
budgetary allocations. The major cash outflows are different taxes to national government,
imports of the district and salaries going out of the district. Custom officer and Tax officer
emphasized that cash inflow in the form of remittances and salaries remain in circulation in
the district and boosting the private sector economy of the district. Similarly, the national
annual grants are used to create infrastructure in the district though at very slow pace.
Per capita income of the district is 180US$ Table 4.7 Per Capit a inc ome 2005
which is far below than the national average of Sector/Indicators Value
230US$. It indicates the poverty level in the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry 3072
district. Primary sector (agriculture, fishery and
Mining and quarrying 23
forestry) contribute more than 35% in GDP
followed by Industry (14%), Trade (12%), and Industry 1238
Transportation (11%). The district statistics Electricity, gas and Water 138
office explicitly mentions that more than 28 Construction 525
percent of population is poor spending more Trade, Restaurant and Hotel 1054
than 50 percent of their income on food.
Transportation and Communication 998
Similarly about 15 percent population are ultra
poor spending more than 70 percent of their Finance, land purchase/sale 1024
earning on food even though the per capita Community and social services 588
food production the district is 3625 calories. Total Value Addition 8661
Despite, the poverty and deprivation indicators Total GDP as per market value 9029
suggest Dhanusha as one on the poorest
Total population 671364
district in the country, the per capita
expenditure of government is one of the Per Capita income(Market value) 13448
lowest indicating the government biasness Per Capita income US$ 182
towards the district. The continued biasness of Per Capita income PPP US$ 994
the government policy over the time period is National Per Capita income US$ 230
the root cause of economic and social National Per Capita income PPP
backwardness of the district. US$ 1370
-20-

Chapter 5
Sectoral Profile of The District
5.1 Agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of economy of Dhanusha district as evident from the fact that
more than 50 percent of the labour force is engaged in agriculture. This is one of the rice
bowls of the nation along with few other Terai district. Agriculture is contributing more than
35 percent of total GDP of the district though the location quotient of agriculture is only 0.76
indicating the lower level of commercialization of agriculture and low level of investment in
irrigation and other agriculture extension services including marketing of agricultural
products. District Agriculture Office was established in 1966 to guide and facilitate the
agriculture development in the district in order to commercialize and enhance the agriculture
productivity in the district in particular and nation at large by strengthening the local know
how and introducing new technology and inventions. At present the district agriculture
development office is providing services to the population in crop development and
conservation, horticulture, fishery development, agriculture extension and implementation of
different policies and projects for agriculture development in the district through its 6 service
centers, 12 sub service centers and a technical section located at different strategical
market centers through out the district.
5.1.1 Agricul tural Production and Food Sufficiency
The production and productivity data furnished below shows hardly any change in
productivity over the year beside marginal decrease in productivity of Fruits and Paddy and
increase in wheat and vegetables. However, there is substantial increase in area coverage
under wheat and vegetables and decrease in paddy. This indicates the intention of farmers
to switch over to the commercial farming if the situation permits.
Table 5.1 Agricultur e Production, Producti vity and Area Coverage
2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005

S. Major Area Product Produ Area Product Produ Area Product Produc Area Product Produ Area Produc Producti
No Crop (Ha) ion ctivity (Ha) ion ctivity (Ha) ion tivity (Ha) ion ctivity (Ha) tion vity
(MT) (MT/ (MT) (MT/ (MT) (MT/H (MT) (MT/H (MT) (MT/Ha)
Ha) Ha) a) a)
6444 6000
1 Paddy 65000 190400 2.93 5 193335 3.00 0 122850 2.05 63500 188150 2.96 56000 137050 2.45
2500 2550
2 Wheat 24000 43200 1.80 0 50000 2.00 0 53550 2.10 25500 561600 22.02 25600 58880 2.30
3 Maize 2300 5750 2.50 2300 5980 2.60 2300 5980 2.60 2250 6075 2.70 2400 6480 2.70
Vegetabl
4 es 5150 54150 10.51 5200 54600 10.50 5250 52500 10.00 5500 57750 10.50 5500 60500 11.00
5 Fruits 1650 21450 13.00 1680 24200 14.40 1680 21840 13.00 1690 2500 1.48 1690 19500 11.54
6 Legumes 3300 4290 1.30 3250 4225 1.30 2950 3448 1.17 3200 3808 1.19 3100 3720 1.20
7 Lentil 3000 3333 1.11 3000 3300 1.10 2700 2812 1.04 2950 3245 1.10 2875 3305 1.15
Sugarcan
8 e 3000 105000 35.00 3100 111600 36.00 3100 110050 35.50 3200 114240 35.70 3200 112000 35.00
9 Tobacco 520 600 1.15 510 600 1.18 510 596 1.17 490 560 1.14 450 520 1.16
10 Potato 1750 1925 1.10 1800 20160 11.20 1800 18900 10.50 1850 20350 11.00 1910 21010 11.00
11 Fish 620 1800 2.90 645 1880 2.91 645 1800 2.79 600 2050 3.42 665 1995 3.00
Source : District Ag riculture Office
-21-

The agricultural landuse of

the district depicts that total Table 5.2 Agricultural Landuse of the district 2004/5
Total River,
cultivable land is about 65 Ar ea Cultivable Land (ha) settlements
percent and total cultivated (h a) Cu lt ivat ed Un cu lt iv at ed To tal Forest and others
land is 58 percent of the total 119000 69163 7629 76792 30897 11311
area leaving very little scope % 58.12 6.41 64.53 25.96 9.51
for further increase in Source: District Agriculture O ffic e
cultivated land.
Table 5.1 and 5.2 merely indicate that land under cultivation has reached its threshold
pointing towards the need for enhancing the agriculture technology, extension services,
cropping pattern and cropping intensity to increase the productivity and production in the
district. The static agricultural production over the last 5 to 7 years depicts marginal impacts
of ongoing agricultural development programs in the district. The cropping pattern of The
district Water Induced Disaster office categorically mentions that more that 2500ha of fertile
cultivable land are left unused due to soil erosion and annual flood in the district. These
lands are mainly in the southern flood plain of Kamala and other major rivers of the district.
Table 5.3 Food Adequacy Level in t he dist rict 2004/5

Descr Total HH Food Sufficiency No of HH facing food deficiency Alternate arrangements
iption practicing Adequa Inadequ 1to 3 4to 6 7 to 10 10 to Loan/ Other Income From Other
Agriculture te for ate for months month month 12 Burro income in from other foreign s
HH HH s s months wing district district
Nos 87,464 21,651 65,813 7,776 25,517 14,735 17,785 8,066 35,868 4,711 14,990 2,178
% 100 24.75 75.25 11.8 38.7 22.4 26.99 12 54.5 7.16 22.8 3.3
Source: District agriculture office
Despite being one of the rice bowl districts of the nation, Dhanusha district is pathetically
placed in food sufficiency level. The statistics above suggests that more than 75 percent of
HH engaged in agriculture are not able to produce adequate food for them and depends on
other source of incomes. Once a food grain exporting district of the nation, Dhanusha has
become one of the food grain importing districts mainly because of increased population and
traditional farming system. There is no exposure to new agricultural technology in general.
Table 5.4 Distribution of Agricultural Land Li vestok and Birds

No of HH as per distribution of Agriculture land and livestock
Total Only Land Livestock Land, Having

no of Only Live Only Land and and and Livestock Nothing
HH land Stock Birds Livestock Birds Birds and Birds HH %
117357 15404 9039 305 54801 561 990 6346 29911 25.49
Though the data pertaining to the demand of food grain at district level is not readily
available, the per capita production of more that 3300 calorie (ICIMOD 2004) suggests
adequacy of food grain in the district contradicting the food deficiency data in table 5.5. This
could arise due to large land holding by limited number of population; however the land
holding among big farmers is decreasing due to land fragmentation and division among
family members. More than 25 percent of the family has farm size about 0.5 ha which is just
sufficient to produce food grains for not more than 3 months for a family of 5 persons.
-22-

Similarly another 25% of the people do not hold any farm land and work as labour in others
farm or on leased farms or in India as seasonal labour. This facts compounded with the
increasing population strengthen the facts depicted in table 5.3. The people perception has
been changing that Dhanusha, once a prospering district is now depending on other district
and India for its food supply. The bad monsoon can bring flood or drought which decreases
the production level creating food shortage in the district.
Table 5.5 No of Household as per Type and Size of land

Area in Ha Parcellary Division of land
Total HH HH as per Land holding Ha
Sloped in Average <.1 0.1 - 0.5 0.5 -1 1 - 2 2 - 5 5-10 >10
land Total No of Agricultur Parcel
Field (Pakho) Total Area Parcel e no
68,810 7,982 76,791 431,091 87,077 4.95 25919 20633 10463 9106 8562 8009 4380
Source: District Agriculture Office
5.1.2 Use of Improv ed Technolo gy/Seed/Finance
Application of new technologies in the form of machines instead of labor, improved seed with
high productivity, round the year irrigation, use of organic and chemical fertilizers and
pesticides are integral part of modern agriculture practices. Agriculture practice in Dhanusha
is still traditional in technology though signs of improvement can be seen in use of Fertilizers
and Pesticides. The table below shows that farmers are still relying on the use local seed
(83%) against improved seed (8.85%) as the government is not able to fulfill their demand
and private sector is still to come in big way in agriculture. Similarly, about 85% of the
farmers used some kind of chemical fertilizers while only 15% percent rely on traditional
organic fertilizers. The application of fertilizer slightly varies in irrigated and unirrigated
agriculture. The application of pesticides is dominant in Paddy depicting that the paddy is the
main crop in the district. The district agriculture officers confirmed that the awareness among
the farmers towards the use of new technology and fertilizers are on rise for last one decade
but due limited capability of government sector and virtually absence of private sector to
supply the needed inputs in agriculture have resulted in static productivity of agriculture. In
absence of round the year irrigation and even the proper market links are discouraging
farmers for further investment in farming technology.
Table 5.6 Use of Improved Seeds and ferti lizers
No of HH using No of HH using fertilizers No of HH using fertilizers Application of

local/Improved seed in Irrigated land in Irrigated land fertilizers
No of
HH Chemical Chemical Wight in
Major Crops Engaged Local Improved Both local Fertilizer Both Local Fertilizer Both Area in Ha 000kg
Paddy 80,591 65,168 4,940 10,654 3,093 10,095 38,749 1,418 34,195 10,568 52,276.40 51,991
maize 4,554 4,167 430 0 344 43 558 1,203 1,890 172 920.7 701
wheat 58,424 45,751 9,494 3,222 4,210 12,974 29,856 1,718 13,704 3,823 20,059.90 27,378
Potato 15,207 12,544 2,062 644 1,847 2,792 4,983 516 5,799 816 894.8 4,924
Sugarcane 5,456 5,413 43 0 988 387 859 86 3,651 215 2,441.30 3,099
Vegetables 11,814 8,463 2,363 988 945 1,160 5,284 988 3,437 601 1,202.50 2,048
Others 51,164 49,188 773 1,203 8,935 1,375 2,792 11,169 3,694 2,363 2,337.50 1,464
% 227,210 83.93 8.85 7.35 8.96 12.69 36.57 7.53 29.21 8.17 35.27 40.32
Sourc e: District Ag riculture offic e
-23-

Table 5.7 Application of Pesticides

Crop Paddy maize Wheat Potato Sugarcane Vegetables Others
No of HH 23,584
945 9,623 6,745 2,148 7,088 3,093
% 26.96 1.08 11.00 7.71 2.46 8.10 3.54
Total No of HH 87,464 Source: District Agriculture Office
The limited supply of inputs and agricultural infrastructure has limited the cropping pattern
and cropping intensity in the district. The average cropping intensity 158 depicts that most of
the land remain uncultivated after paddy. The mixed cropping (10000ha only) and high
intensity cropping is limited to the irrigated land under the Kamla Irrigation Project and
Hardinath Irrigation Project. The cropping intensity in the irrigated area is about 250 while in
unirrigated area it is restricted to 98. This shows the high potential of increasing the
agricultural production in the district.
The major cropping patterns indicate that the

Major Cropping Pattern
district is still not practicing the high value crop. Paddy - Wheat – Vegetables (irrigated Land)
Only 16 percent of the Farmers are growing in Paddy – Wheat - Lentil
vegetables only in 2 percent of total cultivated Paddy – Lentil
land. Similarly other cash crops are grown in Paddy
Sugarcane
very few ha of lands though climate and soil
conditions are highly favorable for high value
crop. The details of crop production are enlisted
in annex. 5.1
Table 5.8 Prevalent crop, area coverage and family coverage
Des c ri pt i on To t al Cer eal Cr o p L eg um es Ro ot Cr op Cas h Cr op L en ti l Sp ic es Veg et ab l es

HH coverage 87,464 82,524 66,715 19,503 6,573 38,534 11,685 13,962
% 100 94 76 22 8 44 13 16
Area
Coverage 76,791.80 86,663.80 20,447.20 1,578.90 3,168.90 7,284.50 660.7 1,651.90
Cropping Intensity 158
The low cropping intensity and prevalent cropping pattern shows the continuity of traditional
irrigation practices even after decades of establishment of District Agriculture Development
Office. Construction and maintenance of irrigation network supported by technology and
technical advice and a network of efficient market can bring green revolution as the soil type
and river system can support the sustainable agriculture in the district. The present location
quotient of agriculture (0.76) does not actually represent the existing opportunities but
indicates toward under development of agriculture sector in the district.
The other important input factor is availability of loan at soft interest rate which encourages
the farmers to invest in agriculture for higher production. Agriculture development bank has
been established to facilitate and support the farmers as traditionally farmers are devoid of
cash. The table 5.9 shows that only 30 percent of the farming community avail loan mainly
for cereal crop and Livestock. In general the farmer take more loan for cash crop and
vegetable where return is high, however in case of Dhanusha it is other way around mainly
because of low level of cash farming due to lack of irrigation and other infrastructure. Even
the local culture does not allow people to take loan and people prefer to leave their land
uncultivated rather than taking loan due to uncertainty in production.
-24-

Table 5.9 Distr ibuti on of Ag ricu ltural Loan as per cro p requirement 2005/06
No of Farming HH 87464 Area 76792Ha
No of
HH do No of Seed
not HH Hor and
Descripti need Loan For Cash Vegeta ticul Livest Pou Fish Othe Fertili Irrigati
on Loan needed Cereal Crop ble ture ock ltry ery rs zers on
No of HH 60572 26,892 10,611 258 1,031 86 12,071 86 129 601 988 1,031
% 69.3 30.7 12.1 0.3 1.18 0.1 13.8 0.1 0.1 0.69 1.1 1.2
Table 5.10 Flow of L oan (2003/4-2004/5)

S. Description Benefited Year 2003/2004 Year 2004/2005
No Farmers
Disbursement Recovery Disbursement Recovery
in 000 in 000 in 000 in 000
1 Cereal Crop 407 10956 11580 18025 22593
2 Cash Crop 1861 45188 46243 50235 69423
3 Others 5 70 26
4 Agri 1288 120755 61321 64295 10220
Marketing
5 Agri tools 472 39192 36041 48954 54263
6 Irrigation 23 563 1145 1024 1428
7 Bio Gas 6 160 476 240 584
8 Land 3 52 55
Development
9 Cold Storage 2 120 300
10 Agre trading 38 230 39290
11 Horticulture 5 56 200
12 Agrro 280 31225 31980 21954
Industry 11458
13 Fishery 2107 48065 1349 39054 54063
14 Non agri 487 26870 9844 175141 98446
Total 6984 323502 239850 418922 322478
Source: A riculturalDevelo ment bank Janak ur

The trend of flow of agriculture loan disbursement is increasing at the rate of 15% for last 5
years. Recovery rate is over 95% as per the district ADB. Majority of the loan is going to
cash crop, marketing and agro based industry indicating the positive initiation of agricultural
development in the district.
5.1.3 Production Cost and Benefit Analysis

Table 5.11 Agric ultu ral Producti on Cost and Benefit 2004
Crop Production Cost per Ha Producti Unit Total Benefit Major crop types
vity Price Price (Nrs)
Labour Material Total
(T/Ha) (Nrs) (Nrs)
Mansuli, Sona Mansuli, Sabitri,
janaki, Sugandha, Mithila and
Paddy 18044 5931 23975 2.6 12800 33280 9305 Local
NL297, UP262, KL1447, Bhrikuti
Wheat 14448 6192 20640 2.3 12400 28520 7880 and Local
Pea 265650 619850 885500 5.8 160000 928000 42500 Aaseli, Aajad
Snowball 16, Snow crown,
Cauliflower 682750 1593083 2275833 16 150000 2400000 124167 Kibojoint, Local
Brinjal 552915 1290135 1843050 16 120000 1920000 76950 Nurki, Purple long, Local
Onion 422592 986047 1408639 15 100000 1500000 91361 Nasik red, Local
District Agriculture Office, Annual report 2004
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The profitability of Agricultural products signals that vegetable farming is far profitable than
cereal crops however, it needs timely supply of inputs like improved seed, irrigation facility,
chemical fertilizers and pesticides beside labour and agricultural tools. At present the
vegetable farming in sizable scale is done in limited area especially in command area of
Kamla and Hardinath Irrigation Project. In other area, vegetable farming is done in patches
using Deep/ Shallow tubewells, ponds and hand pumps. To enhance the livelihood of the
people of the district, vegetable farming must be supported by enhancing quality of the
supply of inputs and market linkages. The farmers in Kamla command area far from the
district headquarter complain about the low price and unavailability of market for their
product. Accessibility of farmers to market, agriculture extensions services, finance, irrigation
facility and improved seed should be ensured for high productivity and hence the poverty
reduction in the district.
5.1.4 Agricu lture Development Programs and Projects
The district development office has been implementing numerous programs and projects to
enhance the productivity, cropping intensity and cropping pattern by mobilizing local as well
as central resources and local farmers (Local Farmer groups) to reduce poverty level in the
district. Major programs implemented in the districts are Agriculture Extension Service
Program, Unseasonal Vegetable Production, Food Security Program, Commercial Vegetable
Production Program, Aqua Culture Development Program, Potato Farming, Woman Farmer
Development Program, Integrated Pesticide Management Program etc beside technical
support to farmers. The basic approach of implementation is community participation
through creating local farmers group and designating pocket area and monitoring the input
and outputs of individual crops. The study of last five years of program shows the coverage
is increasing and skill is imparted to the local farmers which is evident from increasing
coverage of commercial farming, increasing demand for irrigation facility, increasing demand
for other inputs and higher productivity.
Different government institutions involved in agriculture development in the district are

District Agriculture Development Office, Community Ground Water Irrigation Sector Project,
Agriculture Material Supply Company Limited, Agriculture Seed Company Ltd, Agriculture
Development Bank, Division Cooperative Office, Division Irrigation Office, Kamla Irrigation
Project and Water Induced Disaster Division Offices. Beside, numerous INGOs and NGOs
are working for the development of irrigation through its capacity building and micro
financing scheme. Programs of all GOs, NGOs and INGOs are implemented through
community participation approach. The traditional informal system of community participation
in development activities especially in irrigation and agriculture has eroded mainly due to
direct government intervention at grass level over the time period and has been reinvented
by western donors and international policymakers as vehicle for efficient planning and
program implementation mechanism at local level of development activities. New institution
namely Farmers Group has been formed at cluster level in each settlement to implement the
agriculture development program and avail the agriculture development services like
finance, improved seed, technical help, training for the use of fertilizers and pesticides etc.
During last five years more that 1400 farmers groups have been registered out of which
more than 1100 are functional. 266 groups are exclusively comprised of women while total
women participation in more than 25 percent.
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Table 5.13 Registr ation of Farmers Group in th e Dist rict

S. Year No of Groups No of Members Conditi on of Group
No
Male Female Mixed Total Male Female Total Active Inactive
1 2000/1 139 32 12 183 2672 656 3328 121 62
2 2001/2 171 43 39 253 3142 905 4047 200 53
3 2002/3 179 53 66 298 3951 1608 5559 235 63
4 2003/4 190 63 79 332 4317 1926 6243 272 60
5 2004/5 200 75 89 364 4759 2175 6934 298 66
Total 879 266 285 1430 18841 7270 26111 1126 304
Source : A riculture Develo ment Office
5.1.5 Fishery Development
Fishery is though a part of District Agriculture Development Program, it has all merits to be
treated as separate program in the district. It is evident from the fact that the location
quotient of Fishery is the highest (2.45). Over the time, Janakpur Fish has emerged as
credible brand name in fishery sector and probably this is the reason for establishing
central/regional level fishery development center at Janakpur. More than 83 research ponds
are used for hatchling, fingerling and Bhura production in the development center to supply
to fishery farmers. The demand is so high that more than 20 private Hatcheries and 100
fishery ponds are operated for the purpose and still have scope for more than 50 such ponds
in the district.
Table 5.12 Description of Ponds in the District
No of Ar ea in Ha Pro du ct io n i n MT Benefits in
Ponds wit h Dil water Bod y 2003/4 2004/5 2005/6 3yrs in 000
1563 1121 707 2030 2190 2356 706800

Source : District Ag ri Dev O ffice, Fishery dev C enter J ana kpur
Fishery is the major source of income for the local government at lowest level. Each VDCs in
the district has few ponds in its jurisdiction which earn about Nrs500000 annually when given
on contract. Due to cultural and other conflicting need of the ponds, more than 30 percent of
the water body remain unused, 40 percent are partially used and remaining 30percent are
intensively used for fishery. Despite high profitability, people are not taking aqua culture as
profession and it is developing as off farming activities in the district. If appropriate policy is
adopted by the district level government to mobilize Terai Ethnic group (Mallah and other
Dalit) for aquaculture in VDC owned ponds, more than 5000 family from downtrodden
population can come out of vicious circle of poverty. More than 1000 ponds are either owned
by VDCs or local schools and others by individual or other institutions like Guthi and Maths.
Major markets for the small fishes are Malekhu and Mungling while big fishes are sold in
Kathmandu, Dharan and India beside local markets. Janakpur fish is loosing market to the
fish imported from Andhra state of India besides its better quality and taste as it could not
compete with later in prices mainly because mass scale of production and government
subsidy provided in India mainly in Transportation. However, the private hatcheries and
Bhura Nursaries are exporting hatchlings and Bhura in bulk quantity to Indian Market.
Inefficient road network and unavailability of fish processing and storage facilities are
another limiting factors for Aquaculture development in the district.
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5.1.6 Liv estoc k Development
Livestock is another broad base economic sector with high development potential in the
district as almost every farmer has one or more livestock for its use in farming (ox
ploughing), milk and meat production. It has emerged as means of cash earning for farmers,
however the livestock development is still dominated by traditional know how and techniques
to support the agriculture instead of independent commercial activities though livestock is a
permanent asset for rural people of Dhanusha
The high population of ox is attributed to its use in farming, the primary occupation of the
people of the district. Despite high profitability in cow and buffalo farming, the population
suggests its insufficiency to cater the increasing demand of dairy product and meat in the
district. The high population of goat and its growth in recent few years is mainly due to
distribution of goat among the downtrodden population by different INGOs and NGOs
promulgating it as means to reduce poverty level in the district. However, the Senior
Veterinary doctor revealed the fact, the mobility of goat is limited to 12 to 15 km and when
brought from other places, mortality is as high as 50 percent. The distribution of goat among
Dalits and Janjati without any support mechanism has limited impact on poverty reduction.
The low percentage of improved breed of ox, cow, goat, sheep and pig suggests that the
farmers are still unaware of cattle farming and its benefits. Poultry and Buffalo farming are
being taken up by the locals though with very slow pace. Piggery is limited to Dom, poorest
of the poorest community in the district.
Table 5.13 Livestock Population in the Distr ict 2005
Livestock Ox Cow Buffalo Goat Sheep/Lamb Pig Poultry

Type L I T L I T L I T L I T L I T L I T L I T
Pop 72352 6444 78796 49170 3626 52796 22265 37807 60072 119859 20999 140858 958 0 958 4732 97 4829 62138 170850 232988
% 91.82 8.18 100 93.132 6.87 100 37.064 62.936 100 85.0921 14.908 100 100 0 100 98 2 100 26.67 73.33 100
L= Local I =Imp roved T =Total Source: District Livestoc k Office

More than 130 cow farms are running in the district but more than 90 percent of the farms
have only 1 or 2 cows. Only 10 farms have cows between 5 to 10 and only Lattu yadav of
Godar 8 and Raktu Yadav of Bharatpur have 30 and 24 cows respectively. Similarly, about
20 numbers of registered buffalo farms are running, however each farm has minimum 5
buffalo indicating the scale of cattle farming in the district. The ethnicity and Livestock has
very deep relationship. Yadavs, popularly known as milkman are dominant in Buffalo farming
while cow farming is practiced across the society due to its sacredness among Hindu
Society. Goat farming is done by Pahade community in the northern belt in organized way
while in Terai, Mandal, Muslims and other Dalit and Janjati practices goat farming in
traditional way. Sheep farming and piggery are the profession of Bhedihar (Rauts) and Dom
respectively. Poultry has emerged as main commercial livestock and is dominated by pahadi
community beside few Yadavs, Sahs, Mandal and Sings. Livestock development has to be
analyzed with the ethnicity and their concentration if optimum result on poverty reduction is
desired. The experts in the district livestock office revealed that the livestock development
program has to be planned in package fodder for cattle and family support for Dalit farmers if
they are target group. The cooperative movement could be another way to promote livestock
and dairy production in the district.
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Table 5.14 Annu al Dairy Product ion by Organized Dairy Firms 2005
Nam e o f Fi rm Mi lk (L t) y og hu rt (K g) Gh ee(K g) Pan eer (K g) B ut ter (K g)
Ram janaki Dairy 324157 53577 1767 55.5 7047
Shashi Dairy 59130 27375 3650
Radha Krishna Dairy 36500 27375 2555
Mithila Dairy 29121 11400 2025 65
Kanaiya Milk Parlour 91250 10000
Total 540158 129727 9997 120.5 7047
Annual Demand 1000000 900000 67000 300 20000
Source: District Livestock Office APR 2005
The dairy production of different registered dairy firm and demand of dairy product reveal
that the organized sector is catering only 5, 14, 15, 40 and 50 percent of total demand of
milk, Yoghurt, Ghee, Paneer and Butter in the district. Rest of the demand is fulfilled by
individual farmers. This information suggests that these dairy firms are not even able to cater
the urban demands exhibiting huge opportunities for dairy firms. Market is unlimited for both
raw and processed dairy product due to the open boarder. Some of the individual farmers
supply milk and yoghurt to the neighboring market centers in India.
Table 5.15 Annual Meat Production Table 5.16 Grass/fodder Product ion 2005
2005 Name/Descri ptio n Producti on (Mt)
Production Dale Grass 3235
Description (kg) Demand Agriculture Bye Products
Mutton 292000 300000 (Straw of diff crops) 207
C hic ken 456250 300000 Jai Bhech Grass 50
Buff 67100 800000 Tiocenti grass 30
Po rk 5600 10000 Stailo Grass 20
Source: District Livestock Office
The meat production and low demand is basically due to the low consumption habit among
the people in the district mainly because of cultural values in the society. However, the
demand is increasing for chicken by 15 percent and mutton by 8 percent annually as per the
District Livestock Office. At the same time there is huge potential for export to other districts,
Kathmandu and across the boarder. The recent cooperative phenomena in dairy
development is encouraging and needs further support and spread through out the district
for inclusion of various caste and creed in the promising sector.
The livestock and cattle farming in the district is guided by the district livestock office located
in the district headquarter with its 5 service centers and 13 sub service centers distributed
spatially to cover the whole district efficiently. Since its inception more than 40 years ago, it
has been promoting livestock development by introducing new breeds of livestock, fodder
and providing technical supports. There is more than 12 Agro Vet shops in Janakpur
Municipality, and more than 55 agro vet shops in other market centers of the district. There
is more that 10 livestock market where ox, cow, buffalo, horse are bought and sold. Some of
them are seasonal and provide services to adjacent district too. The 2005 data reveal that
Agro Vet shops sold medicines of more than 20 M.
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The livestock and cattle farming are underdeveloped due to social cultural and traditional
social system. The umbrella planning needs to be specified for different castes and cultural
group.
The agriculture sector including livestock and fishery, though with huge potential and
virtually unlimited market, is still in primitive stage of development despite planned
interventions of government for more than last 4 decades. The traditional practices and
attitude of the local farmers in particular has to be changed and are to be attracted towards
commercial farming through efficient supply system (Irrigation, Improved seeds, Fertilizers,
Pesticides, Soft loans and Technical supports), incentives like subsidized power supply and
agro processing unit and efficient connectivity between market center and its rural
hinterland. The level of community participation and inclusion of women and Dalit and
Janjatis in farming practices is encouraging though not enough for their rapid economic and
social development. The institutional arrangement in the district is adequate in human
resources but badly need physical and capital resources to trigger the green revolution in the
district, the only hope to reduce poverty drastically and achieve MDGs in the district.
5.2 Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the major inputs and pre requisite for agriculture development and
commercialization in the nation at large and in the district in particular. The fact has been
realized by the government and established District Irrigation Office in 1987 to develop
irrigation systems and facilitate agricultural development and flood protection. Recently
district offices have been abolished and different division offices namely Irrigation Division
Office and Water Induced Disaster Prevention Division have been established to oversee
irrigation development and flood protection soil erosion control respectively.
Both surface as well as ground water has been used for irrigation purposes since long. The
major rivers of the district are Kamla, Baluwa, Jamuni, Jaladh, Jagdar, Rato, Doodhmati,
Aurahi and Bighi, beside other seasonal streams. These rivers have been exploited by the
farmers initially and later on as government intervention for irrigation purposes. Besides,
farmers have been using various Ponds, deep wells and shallow wells as source of irrigation
water. The irrigation situation in the district is depicted in table below:
About 95 percent of total arable land is irrigable while

62 percent land is irrigated. The irrigation is Description Area in ha %
Total Area 118000
supplementary and could not provide year round Cultivable Land 83160 100
irrigation mainly due to non perennial nature of the Irrigable Land 79757 95.9
rivers. Only few thousand ha of land within the Irrigated Land 52076 62.6
FMIS (ha) 24776 29.8
command are of Kamala, the biggest river in the district No of Farmer Canals 97
gets year round irrigation leaving more than 85 percent AMIS (ha) 20520 24.7
of farmers to depend on rain, shallow tubewell and Ground Water (ha) 6780 8.1
Source : Kamla Irriga tion projec t
ponds for Karif and winter crops. The existing irrigation
systems supplement the monsoon rain for paddy
farming basically and wheat in some area of the
district.
Farmers themselves have constructed more than 95 irrigation systems covering about 25
percent of irrigated land while the government supported irrigation systems cover about 30
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percent and rest 8percent is covered under deep and shallow tubewells. The ground water
survey conducted by the Tubewell Division Office reveals that in the northern belt the water
table is very low making it virtually impossible for shallow tube well. Artesian Aquifer is
prevalent in the middle region of the district (ie from north of Janakpur to Mahendranagar
extending from East to West). Farmers have been using automatic shallow tubewells for
irrigation in this region. Government has provided some subsidies to the farmers for shallow
as well as deep tube wells. At present more that 4000 shallow and 100 deep tubewells
providing year round irrigation in the district. In the southern area, though artesian aquifer is
not prevalent, the water table is quite high and hence both shallow and deep tube wells are
possible if coupled with pumping equipments.
Beside Kamala irrigation project (12500 ha in Dhanusha) and Hardinath Irrigation project
(1600ha), First Irrigation Sector Program (FISP) and Second Irrigation Sector Project (SISP)
implemented 3 projects each covering 1450 ha and 450 ha respectively. Under IMTP, the
management of hardinath irrigation project has been transferred to the farmers after
strengthening the canal system and command area development. More than 10 projects are
in pipe line. Similarly 10 projects have been implemented under Small irrigation project.
First Irrigation Sector Program Implemented projects Proposed Project
Name of the Project Area in ha Name of the Project Area in ha
Dumariya Irrigation Project 1000 Old Jaladh IP Deupura 700
Santipur IP 300
Balganga Irrigation Project 150 Badraja IP, Dhabauli 200
Kukurdhara IP, Nagrain 200
Charnath Irrigation Project 300
Bimladhar IP, Baidehi 500
Total 1450 Mangraha IP, Mangraha 300
SISP Implemented Projects Lakkad IP,Lakkad 250
Baganga Irrigation Project 200 Basikhola IP 200
Doodhmati Irrigation Project JKR 150 Kajipaini IP 400
Jamuni IP 2000
Doodhmati Irrigation Project Sinurjora 100
Total 5050
Total 450
Source : Irriga tion Division Office, J aleshwer
Source: Irrigation Division Office, J aleshwer
Despite all those positive attempts and investments, the irrigation system has failed to
provide water to the farmers as and when required. The experts in Kamla Irrigation Project
and Irrigation Division Office explicitly mentioned that these irrigation systems are designed
for supplementary irrigation and can support only the paddy farming. Wheat and vegetable
farming can be facilitated only in limited area of Kamla and Hardinath Irrigation Systems.
The source augmentation is the only solution for increasing demand of irrigation water. Koshi
Kamla Diversion Project is the pre requisite for year round irrigation system development
and hence poverty reduction by commercial farming. River bank protection and embankment
construction work and flood control work has to be done in comprehensive way to restrict the
loss of property, life and infrastructure for sustainable development.
5.3 Mining and Industry
The studies conducted so far do not confirm any deposits so far in the district. Sand and
Gravel extractions from its major rivers are only mining industry and one of the major
sources of revenue for the local government in the district. The major sources of sand
extraction are Kamla, Rato, Charnath and Aurahi rivers while Kamala and Rato are also
major sources for gravel extraction. The industry sector in the district is dominated by small
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and cottage industry followed by small and big industries. Despite the establishment of one
the biggest industry in the history of industrial development of the nation, Janakpur Cigarette
Factory more than 40 years ago, industry is still to contribute substantially in district
GDP(14%). This is true for the nation too.
The industrial Table 5.18 Number of Industries in the dist rict

establishment data reveal Year Small and Cottage Industry (No) No of People
that industrial growth in Employed
terms of number is almost New Renewal Closed Male Female Total
Registration
static. At present more
than 1000 small and 2003/4 155 850 235 1334 422 1756
cottage industries are 2004/5 224 796 140 1498 432 1930
operating beside 60 big 2005/6 223 796 185 1440 455 1895
industries (>10 people 2006/7 203 782 202 1475 415 1890
working). The total Source : District c ottag e a nd small industry development office
industrial workers in the

district are 3198. About Table 5.19 Small and Cottage Industry (Produc tion and Revenue)
Year New Fixed Running Name Place Capital Prodn Revenue
60 percent are employed Registr Capital Capital Transfer transfer Increment in Nrs in Nrs
in small and cottage ation in 000 in 000 in 000 000 000
industries while other 40 2003/4 155 18879 16 7 6124
percent in big industries. 2004/5 224 44684 20 10 4661
2005/6 223 46987 47885 16 9 15646 157243 533
The major big industries
are Janakpur Cigarette 2006/7 203 53812 43712 16 7 22131 137758 895
Factory, Sugar Industries, Source: Small and Cottage industry annual progress reports
and Paper Industry,

cement, maida etc.
Analysis of the type of industries suggests that about 40 percent of the industries are agro
processing units, 30 percents are service sectors like hotel, shops, construction companies
etc, 10 percents are manufacturing units like furniture, steel and metal utensils, brick etc.
others industries are 20 percent comprised of Mithila Art Painting, transportation, consulting
services etcs.
The district office of small and cottage industry has been providing capacity building trainings
to potential industrial workers and operators. Annually more than 10 trainings are conducted
for 250 participants mainly in Enterprise development trainings, Mithila Art Painting training,
mechanic, house wiring, wood and metal works training etc. Though more than 50 percent of
these trainees are not employed in the district, they get chance to try their luck in other parts
of the country or in third world.
Most of the agro based processing units are located in rural as well as in urban area
operated by traditionally skilled people while the big industries are coming up in Dhalkewar
Janakpur Corridor mainly because of better accessibility and connectivity to other parts of
the country and India. The small and cottage industry is still dominated by ethnic profession.
Lohars (thakur) are operating furniture shops while Sonars (goldsmith) are in bullion market.
Similarly Muslims, Hajam Thakur etc are dominating tailoring and haircutting industries
respectively. The existing industrial development focus is on promotion of traditional skill and
production without any innovations in production technology, aesthetics of products,
packaging and marketing, reducing the demand and hence further deteriorating the
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competency and production. Despite numerous trainings, entrepreneurship among the

people is at lowest level due to low risk taking attitude and capacity, the prevailing rigid
education system (not demand driven) and higher market competition with Chinese and
Indian goods. Low industrial survival rate (<20%) is attributed to the low level of managerial
capacity, higher remuneration in foreign and other sector employment, use of obsolete
technology and pathetic marketing network.
The government has been trying to attract FDI through its various national industrial policies.
Recently, government has enacted Special Economic Zone Act and is committed establish
few SEZs across the country. The recent feasibility study for the establishment of special
economic zone (SEZ) in Nepal has recommended the establishment of a special economic
zone in between Janakpur and Dhalkewar. This project could bring industrial revolution in
the district. A comprehensive industrial potential study has to be conducted and a policy has
to be developed synchronizing with agriculture sector at district level. The remittance money
coming to the district is basically used in housing and land market beside vehicle and other
less productive sectors. A targeted approach for investment counseling to the potential
investors (remittance money) can attract a great deal of money to the industrial sectors. The
FDI in the district is limited to few big industries and needs to be attracted by promoting
hassles free industrial administration at both national and local levels. The district does have
basic industrial infrastructure in the terms of numerous commercial and development banks,
insurance companies, better connectivity with national and Indian market for raw material
and finished goods, huge pool of skilled managerial and industrial labors etc.
5.4 Commerce
The settlements within the district are arranged in hierarchy. The districts headquarter,
Janakpur, the only municipality in the district is the first order settlement while 5 emerging
towns are 2nd order settlements. There are 20 weekly market centers as 3rd order while
others are the last order settlements categorized as per size (population, area and function).
Market centers are basic units where most of the internal commercial activities take place.
Import and export is concentrated at district headquarter while the services are situated at
emerging towns to cater the demand and supply to its hinterlands. With the higher
population concentration and development of road network though earthen, almost every
VDCs now have weekly market (86 market centers) where the local produce (vegetables
and cereals) are sold and purchased. The annual revenue collected vary from Nrs 100000 to
1000000 in emerging towns like Dhalkewar, Sabaila, Dharapani, Dhabauli, Raghunathpur,
Bateshwer etc. while other markets collect revenue from Nrs 10000 to 100000. The
emerging centers have permanent shops capable to cater the general HH, construction,
agro processing, medicine, stationary and other demand of its hinterland while the minor
market centres have very few shops catering the daily HH demand of the market centers.
Though the data pertaining to import and export is not available, the local chamber of
commerce and tax offices reveal that major exports of the district are vegetables, cereals,
sugar, Maida and other agro products, papers, Cigarette, wooden furniture, Mithila Paintings,
Fish, Hatchlings and Bhura, dairy products (mithai, ghee etc), Gahna while major imports are
garments, processed food, household appliances, electric and electronics goods etc. The
regional revenue collection has decreased from Nrs 736 Million in 2003/4 to 673 Million in
2004/5 and 643 Million in 3005/6. It has been attributed to the local as well as national
conflicts and numerous prolonged market and transport closure at local as well as national
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level. The revenue collection indicates that about 70percent of the revenue comes from
Cigarette which has gone down from Nrs 482 million in 2003/4 to 502 million in 2004/5 and
452 Million in 2005/6. The revenue data gives very mixed kind of performance of the
commercial sector of the district, highly distorted due to Maoist violence and activity during
this period. The better law and order situation and establishment of rule of law at the district
and national level is pre requisite for the better functioning of commercial sectors. The
vegetable and fruit trading are greatly affected due to its perishable nature.
The local trade is a function of connectivity. Tractors, bullock carts and jeeps are used for
transporting goods from production center to market centers or from one market to another
market.
The district have very limited blacktop road in the form of National highway (kamla to
Lalgadh 45 km), feeder road (Dhalkewar, Janakpur 23km), district road (Janakpur
Dhanushadham 16km and Janakpur Jatahi 13 km). All other roads are fair weather roads
making trading difficult during monsoon. Trading infrastructure like cold storage, chilling
centers, market information are not available to producers. Telemarketing and information
centers are not available even at district head quarter and major market centers.
5.5 Tourism
Janakpur, the district head quarter of Dhanusha, famous among pious Hindus holds a
significant place in the cultural geography of Nepal. This classical capital of Rajrishi (Sage
King) Janak has been enjoying the status of famous pilgrimage. The city is renowned for
many reasons. This is the center of reverence of the entire Hindu world owing to its religious
and historical importance for being the holy land where goddess Sita or Janaki, Lord Ram’s
consort war born.
Janakpur and area in the vicinity holds very special place among Jains. According to Jain
monuments, it is identified that 19th clergy (Thirthankar) Malinath and 21st clergy Naminath
were born somewhere in Janakpur though exact location have not been established. By dint
of their birth, education and enlightenment and promulgation of eight good deeds (Kalyanak)
originated from here, Janakpur and its territory holds ultimate respects among millions of
Jains.
Tourism in Janakpur is not a new phenomenon. Ancient Hindu literatures suggest that
scholars who wrote Vedas and Upanishads visited Mithila. Saint Yagyabalkya, Astabakra,
Gargi, Matriya came to Janakpur and stayed there. The Hindu literatures suggest that
Bhagwan Shree Krishna visited Janakpur at least thrice. Similarly, Baudha and Mahavir
visited Janakpur many times. The famous Chinese Traveler Huen Sang mentioned in his
writing about his visit to a very rich and developed city Chensuna in 643 AD. The scholars
have established that the Chensuna city he has described in his writings is none other than
Janakpur. Then for about two millennia, Mithila or Janakpur lost its name and fame till it was
re searched and renaissance brought into by Vaishnave Saits (follower of Bishnu) towards
the end of the middle age.
The recent tourism triggered with the construction of Janaki Temple in 1894-1911. Hindu
belief and Hindu mythologies tempt every Hindu to visit Janakpur, worship Sita and Ram and
take bath in holy ponds to purify their soul and get rid the cycle of birth and death. Dhanusha
Dham, where a part of the broken Dhanush (Bow) is still lying is another source of attraction
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for the people. With the passage of time many religious shrines, temples, Kutis, Asharams,
Ponds etc have been instituted by eminent religious scholars, Saints in and around Janakpur
which is the heritage of this region. Similarly Dhanusha district has its own unique Mithila
culture, tradition, feast and festivals, art, language and script making it favorable tourist
destination for Hindus as well as others.
Today tourism has been established as an industry and an important means to earn foreign
currency. Nepal also initiated planned intervention to develop tourism in different part of the
nation. The basic thrust was on adventurous and mountaineering tourism. Till 4th national
five year plan, government initiative for tourism development was limited to Pokhra, Chitwan,
Lumbini and Khumbu. The successive plans brought numerous policies, plans and projects
to develop tourism but all efforts were limited to mountain regions and foothills except
Lumbini. Janakpur remained at low priority for government investment in tourism
development despite being one of the most visited destinations. However, the tourism in
Janakpur keep on flourishing on its own due to its unparallel unique religious and cultural
heritage. The government data shows that about 8 percent tourists coming to Nepal are
pilgrims. This does not include pilgrims coming from India in thousands at various occasions
to Janakpur and other parts of Terai distorting the tourism sector data for manipulating
government policies in favor of mountain and hilly region of the country. Regardless of
malicious attitude of policy makers towards Janakpur and inactiveness of private sector and
civil society, the tourist flow has increased over the years due to its high potential for pilgrim
tourism.
Tourism is major foreign currency earning sector. However, Janakpur has been left out in
main stream national tourism planning though it has the highest potential for domestic as
well as Indian pilgrimage tourism in the nation.
Major Tourism Attractions
Dhanush district teems with famous and attractive temples, shrines and ponds (Kunds and
Sagars). These are vividly described in Hindu and Jain scriptures Mithila Tirthakalpa, Mithila
Mahatmya, and Bhoo (Parikrama) written by great Maithili Poet Kokil Vidyapati in 14th
century. The major tourist attractions in the region are:
Janaki Temple
Janaki Temple, popularly known as Naulakha, is the most renowned pilgrimage of Janakpur
Dham. The legend has it that it was built on the holy site where Sannyasi Shurkishore Das
had found the images of Goddess Sita. Saint Shurkishore Das was the founder of modern
Janakpur and the great saint and poet who preached about “Sita Upasna” philosophy.
The present Mahanth (chief priest) is the 14th descendant of the Sisya (disciple tradition).
The temple was built by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwar of Tikamgarh (central India) in AD 1911.
It is an illustration of Hindu-Rajput architecture with a blend of Mogul architecture. This is the
biggest temple and only model of mogul architecture in the nation.
Vivahmandap
A grand Ram Janaki “Vivah Mandap” built in the Janaki Temple campus, is an excellent
example of Pagoda architecture. It has several panoramic and standard roof structures in
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the form of Mandaps propped on the smooth and ornamented columns of marble, erected on
square floor. It is believed that the Ideal Man God Ram and Goddess Sita got married at this
place and hence people flock this place for marriage in groups. This building is major
attractions for the tourists for its location amidst bewitching landscape.
Laxman Temple
This is another temple placed inside the Janaki Temple Campus. It houses the images of
Ram Sita and Laxman along with twin sons of Sita Lav and Kush.
Janak Temple
This temple is centrally located in Janakpur known as Janak Chowk. Legend has it that King
Hanak performed the worship of “Shiva Dhanus” on this very site. This temple has preserved
the broke idol of King Janak and other gods.
Sankat Mochan
This famous temple is siof Hanuman is situated at northwest to the Rangbhumi Stadium
popularly known as “Barah Bigha”. People flock to the temple on each Tuesday to worship
lord Hanuman believing that it will provide spiritual security and purity while in need. It
remains one of the major attractions during festivals and ceremonies.
Dulha Dulhin Temple
This temple is also called shree Ramananda Ashram and Sreee Mithila kanak Bhawan. Lord
Ram is believed to have stayed here in the “Kohvar Kunj” (room separated for the first night)
as the bridegroom as per the Mithila Culture. This temple houses the images of Ram and
Sita in their traditional wedding robes. The architect has displayed through magnificent
glasses the shades of the images of Ram-Sita performing wedding rite called Bhanwar, the
temple has also preserved the image of Charan Paduka (wooden slippers) of Shree
Sampradayacharya Shree Ramananda.
Other famous temple includes Hanuman Gadhi, Shib Temple at Shive Chowk, Kapileshwor
Mahadev at Kapileshwor and Kuheshwer Mahadev at Kuwa.
Kutis and Herimit ages
Residences of Saints are known as Kutis. Today these Kutis have been turned as Temples
or buildings. These Kutis attracts visitors and pilgrims and those observing monthly fasting
with their tranquil and holy environment. Of them Rasik Niwas, Hanuwat Durbar, Pipra Kuti,
Agni Kund Kuti, Bihar Kund Kuti, Rani Pati Kuti, Todendra Math Kuti etc are famous owing to
their founding saints or Jhula (ceremonial swinging of the images of God Ram, Laxmand and
Goddess Sita in the month of July August and other celebrations. Besides, there are other
kutis patronized by different castes.
Holy Ponds, Kunds , Wells and Rivers
Janakpur is known as city of temples and ponds. It teems specially with ponds and other
water structures. These are called Sar, Sagar or Kunds. There is a tradition of dipping in
these holy ponds on special occasions as per lunar calendars. The famous among these are
Ganga Sagar, Dhanusha Sagar, Ram Sagar, Ratna Sagar, Bihar Kund, Agni Kund, Ghyan
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Kup, Argaja Talaw, Dasrath Sar, Gordhoi (Pad Praksalan Sar), Pap Mochini Sar (believed to
rid the breathers of all sins). Ganga Sagar is also the holiest and greatest of them. Tens of
thousands of people throngs its ghats on every Purnima (full moon day) and other festive
occasions for a dip into this pond which is as holy as river Ganga. The bathers and receivers
of holy water from this pond are believed to be highly blessed as mentioned in Brihad Bishnu
Puran.
Rangbhumi Maidan
Rangbhumi is the great pavilion in the heart of the city. It is locally known as Barah Bigha. In
Vedic age a grand pavilion was built in this ground to held Sita Swember as per Hindu
tradition. Even today on Vivah Panchami, a great pavilion is built for the Sita Swember which
is the biggest attraction for the tourist across the Hindu World.
Festivals and Other Events
Janakpur holds a key position among important religious and cultural centers of Nepal. The
city hosts gal religious festivals and other ceremonies around the year. Melas (fairs),
Paravs(festivals), Mass Brats (monthly fasting), Kirtans (Him chanting), Astayams,
Parayams, Saptahs, Nauwah (religious, often round clock preaching for a day, week and
nine days) and Yaghyas have become parts and parcels of life of people here. People
observe Masvrat and Kalpavas in Kartik (October) in Janakpur.
Vivah Panchami
It is the greatest festival held in Janakpur. This is celebrated to mark the holy wedding of
Ram Sita every year on Marg Sudi Panchami (5th day of waxing moon in late November or
early December). Thousands of people pour into Janakpur during this festival. Neither the
tourism board nor local institutions keep record of actual pilgrims, however the Janki Temple
Priest and local authority believe that more than 50 000 people from India and other parts of
Nepal visit Janakpur. During Vivah Panchami a procession of Saints in thousands from
Ayodhya in India (birth place of Lord Ram) visit the city. All the rituals and tradition of
marriage ceremony as per Mithila culture are performed. The main attraction of the event is
the procession of Lord Ram and Sita from respective temple to Rangbhumi and Swambar
(marriage) as per the Mithila culture. Pilgrims from India and Nepal in large number with few
Europeans observe the event. If marketed properly, the event can attract thousands of
European and American tourists and researchers interested in culture.
Ram Nawami
Ram Janma Nawami, the holy Birth Anniversary of Lord Rama falls on Chaitra Sukla
Nawami (9th day of bright lunar fortnight in March). Thus it is one of the major festivals
celebrated in Janakpur. Pilgrims all over India and Nepal visit the holy shrine Ram Temple to
take bath in holy pond Ganga Sagar and pay their offerings to the God Ram. The
conservative estimate of the local authorities indicates that more than 30000 pilgrims visit
the city on the occasion.
It is also called Chaitra Nawami which precedes the Chaite Dashain and marks the end of all
festivals of Nepali Calendars.
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Janaki Nawami
Janaki Nawami, the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita falls on Baisakh Sukla Nawami (9th
day of the bright lunar fortnight in April) just a month after Ram Nawami. It is celebrated with
pageantry in Janakpur. It is marked with special worship and prayer in Janki Mandir after
taking holy dip in Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar. The Janaki temple sources indicate that
about 30000 people from India and other parts of the nation visit the city on the occasion.
Jhula
Jhula (swinging the idol of God Ram, Laxman and Goddess Sita) is one of the major
festivals on Janakpur in particular and Mithila region at large which is celebrated for 15 days
Temples are godly decorated on this occasion. Mandaps are built specially for this occasion
are simply bewitching. Jhula is performed every evening with great pomposity for a whole
fortnight spanning the Sukla Pakcha (Lunar fortnight). In the evening, priests and pious
people swing the idols of God Ram, Laxman and Goddess Sita placed in beautifully
decorated cradles in every temple and hermitages in Janakpur. Varieties of cultural
programs performed in each temple are major attraction for devotees coming from different
places. This could be developed as major attractions for pilgrims and cultural tourists. It
attracts more than 30000 devotees to the city.
Parikrama
Assuming Janakpur as center, 15 Days circum ambulation program (Parikrama) is

conducted at the distance of 5 kosh (15km) as radius. It is popularly known as Panchkoshi
Parikrama. The Parkrama starts from the Mithila Bihari (Caravan of chief Dola) situated in
Kachuri VDC of Dhanusha. It visits Janakpur worshiped and the great caravan of all others
temples and Maths follow Mithila Bihari Dola to Kalaneshwer about 15 km south east of
Janakpur. Thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal participate in the caravan which
passes from different places (Kalaneshwer, Girijasthan, Matihani, Jaleshwer, Madai,
Dhroovkund, Kanchan Ban, Chireshwer Sthan, Dhanushadham, Satoshar, Aurahi, Harusha
and again Kalaneshwer) resting for a night at each place. In the night numerous programs
and cultural shows are performed at each location marking major fair and events. At the end
Caravan returns to Janakpur on 14th day and the caravan performs Griha Parikrama along
the Parikrama Sadak lead by Mihtila Bihari Dola on full moon of Falgun. Thousands of
people take part in the parikrama program.
There are other prominent festivals like Purnima celebrated on full moon of every month by
taking holy bath in Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar and worshiping n Janaki and Ram
Temple. Similarly Chaith has emerged as major celebrations for the Locals and has the
potential to attract tourist especially from Europe to observe the occasions. Dashain is
another major festival celebrated in Janakpur with decorations of Saktipiths and cultural
shows.
Mithila Arts and Culture
Mithila Culture is famous all over the world for its rich and scholarly traditions. Visitors are
charmed by the people’s warm and cordial hospitality, sense of humor and love for art and
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artistic activities. Today, Mithila painting is universally known as Janakpur Arts. The
paintings and beautiful minute arts speaks volumes of the special feet (tour de force) of the
local housewives. These depict different events related to Ramayan, Purans and Folklores
and Stories. The art lovers will specially like the Ramayan Art Gallary, built at the Ghat of
Dhanusha Sagar. The anterior walls of the gallery has different pictures depicting the life of
Ram and Sita based on Ramcharitra Manas. Art objects made of Siki (local grass) and clay
(ceramic) are beautiful production by the local cottage industries and are source of souvenir
and art collection for the tourists. If developed popularly, mithila art and culture can boost the
tourism industry in the region and contribute in poverty reduction. At present more than 300
women from different castes even dalit are employed in this sector through numerous NGOs
like women development center.
Out Skirts of J anakpur
Dhanusha Dham
This dham (shrine) is located about 15km North West of Janakpur. The legend says that the
remnant of Shiva Dhanusha (Lord Shiv’s Bow) that Ram broken into pieces is preserved
here. This is an ideal site for pincers, forest adventurers and other pilgrims due to the
location of a well preserved forest in the vicinity.
Jaleshwer
It is an small town situated about 15 South of Janakpur and is district head quarter of
neighboring district Mahottari. It ha a famous ancient pilgrimage Jaleshwer Nath Temple with
lord Shiva’s Ling always immersed in water fed by nearby Barunsar. The temple complex
has many other ancient images of Ram Sita Hanuman etc.
Girija Sthan
It is located about 15 km south of Janakpur in India. It has an ancient Saktipith (Altar of

Power Goddess). According to the tradition, it is dedicated to the princes Girija, daughter of
Giriraj Himalya, the king of Giri. She is regarded as royal Deity of king Janak.
Besides, there are numerous Math, Mandir, Kuti, Sagars, Shrines situated in different part of
Janakpur. The region has also numerous archaeological sites which need further study and
researches.
The above descriptions depict the tourism potential of the region. The tourism should be
analyzed in the concept of Greater Janakpur instead of district Dhanusha. The mindset of
tourism department and Nepal Tourism Board towards pilgrimage tourists especially from
India has to change by acknowledging registering them as tourists. The 2007 data of district
tourism department office shows that only 25 tourists visited the area clearly depicts that
they don’t acknowledge pilgrims from India as tourists.
Tourism Infrastructure
Janakpur is well connected to other parts of the country through road network. It has well
developed link with Indian towns through road networks (Janakpur Bhittamod, Sitamadhi and
Janakpur Jathi, Durbhanga), and Railway (Janakpur Jaynagar Railway). This ancient type
meter gauge steam engine railway service itself is an attraction for tourists. Janakpur is also
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connected with capital by half an air route which could be boon for tourism in days to come.
The Janakpur has inns, hotels, restaurants, cyber café necessary for the development of
tourism.
Besides all these attractions, facilities and potential Janakpur region is still struggling even to
have a proper tourism information center, better city infrastructure, marketing in national and
international level and a comprehensive tourism development plan. Tourism sector is still
very primitive, unorganized and unmanaged in Janakpur. Some prominent civil society
member even mentioned that the gathering of large number of pilgrims from India and other
parts of the nation at different festive occasions do no good than making the city stinky, filthy
and nasty. This kind of observation reveals the malicious attitude of national tourism
development institutions, policy makers and NPC toward the development Terai towns and
centers along with the lower level of private sector and people participation and inability of
local authorities to manage the mega events. Janakpur Tourism has never got its share of
pie from national coffer for its development besides its strength. If developed properly, it can
contribute immensely in employment generation and poverty reduction in the region.
People’s participation, mobilization of private sectors, planned government investments and
innovative thinking can bring tremendous change in tourism development in the district.
Tourist’s attraction beyond Janakpur like Dhanusha Dham, Chireshwer Nath, Jaleshwer
Nath, Matihani, Satoshar, Dhroovkund are to be developed as religious ring around
Janakpur to spread the tourist activities and retain the tourist for longer period of time.
Table 5.20 Ar ch eol og ic al Si tes in Dhan us ha Di st ri ct (Gadh and Gadh i)
S. No Name of Site Location VDC Remarks
1. Jat Jatin Gadh Nagrain
2. Rupaitha Gadhi Rupaitha
3. Parsahi Gadhi Naukhor Parsahi
4. Jhatiyahi Gadhi Jhatiyahi
5. Dhanusha Gadhi Tejnagar
6. Supaul Gadhi Dhanauji
7. Bagewa Gadhi Laxmipur
8. Srawan Kumar Gadhi Mahdaiya Tapanpur
9. Bhamarpura Gadhi Bhamarpura
10. Akaura Gadhi Devdiha
11. Sakal Singh Gadi Bahera Bela
Source: Historical and Archaeological Site Survey within the Greater Janakpur Area,
Greater Janakpur Development committee
Names of Prominent Mosques in the District

S.No Masjid/Idgah Location Age
1 Idgah Majhaura Bishnupur 250
2 Masjid Bramapura
3 Masjid Kharihani 100
Besides, there are 50 Masjids and Idgah in different VDCs
Source: Greater Janakpur Development committee
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Table 5.21 Places of Religious Importance (Temples )

S. Name of Temple Location VDC Age in Land in Bigha Physical
No Yrs Condition
Remarks
1 Laxmi Narayan Tulsiyahi Jabdi 275 44 bigha Dilapidated,
Temple Land under Needs
Matihani conservation
Math
2 Ram Janaki Temple Basahiyacccc 500 85 bigha land Dilapidated
3 Laxmi Narayan Basbiti -3 225 10 Bigha Dilapidated
Temple Land
4 Ram Janaki Temple Deuri Parbaha 18 bigha Dilapidated
under Janaki
Temple
5 Madhukarhi Sthan Suga Madhukarhi 102 Bigha Dilapidated
land, Guthi
Sansthan
6 Ram Janaki Temple Paudeshwer 275 5 bigha land Dilapidated
7 Ram Janaki Temple Andupatti 225 2 Bigha land Thached
Roof Kuti
8 Mithila Bihari Kachuri Thera 10 Bigha Dilapidated Leader of 15
Temple Land Days parikrama
9 Subba Kuti Dhanusha 135 54 Bigha Dilapidated
Govindpur Land
10 Dhanush Temaple Dhanusha Dham Under Janaki Dilapidated Archaeological,
Temple Religious and
historical site
11 Bichla Kutti Dhanusha 175 8 Bigha land Dilapidated

Govindpur
12 Ram Janaki Temple Lagma 30 Bigha Dilapidated
Land
13 Ram Janaki Temple Debdiha
15 Shiv Temple Mahuwa 150 1 Bigha Good Private temple
16 Hardinath Shiv Hardinath 500 35 Good
Temple
17 Shiv Temple Jhojhi Kataiya 300 3 Dilapidated
18 Mithileshwer Mithileshwer Idol Stolen
Mahadev Temple
19 Shiv Temple Satoshar Dilapidated
20 Udeshwer Nath Dhanauji 550 52 Dilapidated
Temple
21 Itharwa Sthan Itharwa Dilapidated, Famous/rich
poorly under Guthi
220 Managed Sansthan
22 Chakreshwer Nath Chakkar
23 Chireshwer Nath Hariharpur 3 Dilapidated
24 Swet Kali Temple Tulsiyah Jabdi 2 Dilapidated
25 Sonawati Than Suga Nikas 150 Dilapidated
26 Rajdevi Mandir Tarapatti Sirsiya Dilapidated
27 Devi Mandir Laxmipur Bageba 230 Dilapidated
28 Kali Mandir Dhanauji 525 32 Dilapidated
Besides, there are numerous small kuti and shrines in different settlements of the district
Source: Greater Janakpur Development committee
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Table 5.22 Sagar, Talaw and Pokharis in J anakpur

1 J ana k Sarovar 37 Kagba ti Sar
2 Karharwa (Kalki Sar) 38 Angrag Sar
3 Gena hi Pokhari (Gunmati Sar) 39 Tel Ghrita Sar
4 Thari Sar (C hatri Sar) 40 Laxman Sar
5 Nathu Pokhari 41 Bhandana Sar
6 Fulgen Sha Pokhari 42 Navki Pokhari
7 Ram C hadra Shah Pokhari 43 Bali Pokhari
8 Pustkalya Pokhari 44 Khatta Pokhari
9 Dev Narayn Shah Pokhari 45 G ob raua Pokhari
10 Bhoga l Shah Pokhari 46 J og iya Pokhari
11 C handra Kup 47 Pap Mo c hini Pokhari
12 Diwan Pokhari 48 G op al Pokhari
13 Dirghika Sar 49 C hatradharini Sar
14 Payswini Sar 50 Bighna Harani Pokhari
15 Gang Saga r 51 Purni Pokhari
16 Dhanusha Saga r 52 Adhikari Pokhari
17 Ram Sagar 53 C hori Dabra Pokhari
18 Murli Sar 54 C hitahi Pokhari
19 Bishara Sar 55 Singrahiya Pokhari
20 Purundar Sar 56 Gunwa ji Pokhari
21 Ma haraja Sar 57 Noc hiya Dabra
22 Kap almoc han Sar 58 J uri Pokhari
23 Gordho i Pokhari 59 Pasra Pokhari
24 Ratna Saga r 60 Babulal Pokhari
25 Bihar Kund 61 Nakched wa Pokhari
26 Ag ni Kund 62 Mani Mand ap Pokhari
27 Madhyama Sar 63 Lakhanshah Pokhari
28 Gyan Kup 64 Kurtha Pokhari
29 Vidya Kup 65 Anurag Sar
30 Sita Kund 66 Kamla Kund
31 Satanand Kup 67 Prem Sarova r
32 Surya Kund 68 Sevamantak Sar
33 Biral Sar 69 Maknahi Pokhari
34 Rukmini Sar 70 G anpati Pokhari
35 Baldev Sar 71 Bhaluwahi Pokhari
36 Dhaut pa p Sar
Besides, there are numerous ponds in the district. Each Math Mandir and Sthan has its own
Ponds. Ponds Other than that of religious importanc e a re used for aqua culture a nd irrigation
and have emerged as major sources of income for local body and schools.
Source: Greater Janakpur Development committee, Githi sansthan and municipality
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5.6 Forest Development and Management
Historically the district was pre dominantly covered with forest. The fact that the Jaynagar -
Janakpur –Bijalpura was constructed in early 50s by the government of India to import
timber strengthens the argument. After construction of East West Highway a massive
deforestation was carried out as per government policy to settle migrants from hill and
mountain. Today’s emerging towns along the highways came after such government
sponsored drive. At present, forest is limited to Chure Bhanwar and Sivalic geographic
region (northern belt) of the district. A very small forest area can be seen in Mid Madhes
region ie Dhanusha Dham.
The landuse survey conducted in 1978 under LRMP mentions that about 24.86 percent of
total land mass is covered with forest while the survey conducted in 1999 under OFMP
exhibits only 20.03 percent land is under forest cover. This includes even the private
horticulture farms, community forests and road side plantation. The forest in the region is
covered with mainly Sal, Asna, Khayar, Siris, Kusum, Mahuwa, Jamun, Sisso, Satisal,
Amaltas, Bel, Mango Tree, Palas, Karma, Pipal, Simal, Nim and Bamboo.
The forest development in the district is managed by district forest office at district
headquarter, 2 Ilaka forest office and 12 range posts situated in the forest. The range posts
are basically involved controlling theft of timber, forest products, poaching of animals and
birds etc and implementing the program activities as per the direction of District Forest
Office.
The LRMP survey outlines that mainly three kinds of forest are prevalent in the district
1. Sal Forest
Forest in Dhanusha Dham, Maltol and Tulsi region are exclusively Sal forest.
However Sal is prevalent in mixed broad leaved forests. Due to human pressure and
fire wood collection, the crown density of these forests is only about 30%. The crown
density of forest in Sivalik region is higher than in Terai region. About 29 percent of
the total forest is covered with Sal.
Table 5.23 Forest Coverage in different Regions
Area in
Region Forest Type Ha % Remarks
Terai Sal 552.5 1.8 The OFMP Survey
Mixed 52 0.2 presents
Hortic ulture 267 0.9 Produc tive Forest 1.3%,
Sivalic Sal 8428 27.0 C ommunity Forest 7%
Mixed 20931 67.1 and Restricted forest
Hortic ulture 54.5 0.2 91.7%
New Planta tion 886 2.8
Total 31171 100.0
Sourc e: District Forest Office
2. Mixed forest
Most of the forest in Chure region falls under this category of the forest. Most of the
plants in this forest are of non commercial type however it’s conservation has high
importance from environmental perspective as it can control the soil erosion, flood
etc. The forest is predominantly covered with small timbers, bushes with crown
coverage of about 50%. More than 67% of the forest area is covered with mixed kind
of forest
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3. Horticulture/New Forest
This kind of forest covers mango farms, horticulture farms and newly planted forest
areas in the district. This is the productive forest. Horticulture covers about 1.2 % of
total forest while the new forest covers about 2.8 % of total forest. Khayar, Sisso and
Eucalyptus are major plants in new forest. The forest survey reveals that 48 to 100
plants are in one ha.
5.6.1 Bio Diversi ty
The limited forest coverage, low crown density and high human pressure are major
causes of decreasing bio diversity in the region. The unsecured habitat, decreasing
food and increasing poaching has limited the population of different animals and
plants in the region. The major animals in the region are bear, leopard, deer, Jackal,
Cat, Bangur, Monkey and dear etc. Similarly, Faul, Machagidhha, Kakoo, Saras,
Banhans, Peacock and Bankukhura are major birds in the district. Python Viper and
Cobra are major reptiles in these forests.
Sunakhari Community Forest, Doodhpani Community Forest, Aurahi Khola Ban,

Jagdhar Ban, Murgiya Ban, Charnathban, Selar Ban etc are major habitat of the
fauna in the district. Most of these forests are in western northern region of the
district.
For conservation of forest, a Bio Diversity program for Terai and Sivalic along with
forest development and monitoring have been implemented with the help of
SNV/Netherland. Numerous training and capacity building programs for target groups
have been conducted in the region for optimal use of forest product and its
conservation.
Forest B ased Industry
With the increased population and urbanization in the district, the demand for forest
product has been increasing and hence the forest based industries. The major
industries are a paper factory, 2 ply wood industries, 101 saw mills, around 200
furniture industries and few Tapari industries. The raw materials required for these
industries mainly are supplied from personal/private horticulture farms. Sisau,
Jackfruit, Mango etc are mainly used for furniture while teak and others are used for
plywood industry. Leaves of different plants like sal are used for Tapari. NTFP are
also used in various purposes. Janakpur Furniture has high demand at national level
in Kathmandu and Pokhra.
Table 5.24 Demand of Forest Products
The district forest office Description of Demand of various Forest Products
revealed that the annual Forest Product in MT
1991 2001 2006
demand of forest products
Timber 106382 cft 132564 cft 137437 cft
for HH used has increased Fire Wood 1224 MT 224176 MT 246482 MT
as enlisted in table 5.24. Dale Grass 182274 MT 248360 MT 274174 MT
Source: District Forest Office
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Only about 60 percent of the fire wood demand is fulfilled from local personal plants
while rest is imported from Sagarnath forest in Sirha and Mahottari and other forests
in Sindhuli, Rauthat, Morang and Jhapa. Similarly about 30 percent of the timber
demand is also supplied to the district from these districts. The community forest has
helped in conservation and supply of NTFP however the policy to allow local people
to get one load of fire wood free of cost has resulted in theft of timbers and
contributed in deforestation. Similarly the policy to sell timbers to community forest
users at the rate of Nrs 300/cft while the market rate is about Nrs 1000/cft has
increased corruption and hence deforestation in the district. The timber corporation of
Nepal (TCN) is sole agency to supply timber in the district while Fuel Corporation
supplies fire wood through its various depots in the district.
The district forest office exhibits that the timber production from private forest has
decreased from 114153 cft in 2000 to 50388 cft in 2003, however the timber
production has slowly increased to 65000cft in 2006.
Forest Development and Expansion
The government initiated forest development and expansion activities through Terai
Community Forest Development Program. 25 nurseries were established to supply
seeds and small plants to individual farmers and communities free of cost to
encourage plantation in the district. It also initiated plantation programs in barren
government lands and hence increased the forest coverage. However, after
completion of the project, the forest office could not sustain it. At present only four
nurseries are functional and are struggling to fulfill the huge demand. Some private
nurseries have come up to sell sisau, mango and other similar plants. The
department of forest through its various programs has planted different kind of plants
in 1825 ha of land in last 25 years. These efforts cover road side plantation, river and
canal bank plantation and government land plantation.
The environment and soil condition in the district coupled with the high market demand for
furniture and other forest based product indicate high potential for private forest development
in the district. At present more that 70 registered private forests are indication for future
growth if supported properly.
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Chapter 6
Physical Infrastructure
6.1 Transportation
Transportation System works as vain (nervous system) through which people, goods and
services move from one place to other. Despite revolutionary development in Information
Technology, Telecommunication, internet and email, it can not transport a kilogram of rice
from one place to other. Roan network is the major means of transportation in the district
though the only railway network (70km, Jaynagar- Janakpur- Bijulpura) in the country is
passing through the district. The district headquarter is also linked to the capital with daily 3
flights (total 60 Passengers). In National as well as District context, the movement of people,
goods and services solely depends on road transportation. Transportation facilities has
emerged as key input factor to ensure faster socio economic development and accordingly
the government policies are directed to ensure efficient movement, however, the economic
return factors were overlooked in the past resulting in lower level of transportation network
development in the district, despite lower road construction cost is lower and higher
economic return.
Table 6.1 Summary of the Road Network in the District

S. Name of Road Class Length C. Surface Type Present Remarks
No Width Condition (Need)
BT GR ER
1
Mahendra Highway NH
(Kamla Rato Section) Ho1 29 10 29 Good
2 Dhalkewar - Janakpur - NH 28 10 28 Dilapidated, Widening to
Bidhi Section Ho2 low capacity Double lane,
Reconstruction
3 Chure Rato River NH

Section Ho2 4 10 4 Good
Sub Total 61 61
4 District Road DR 248 6 38 130 80 Dilapidated Maintenance
and Upgrading
5 Urban Road (JKR UR 48 18m - 21 21 6 Dilapidated Maintenance,
Municipality) 6m Side drain,
Widening and
Upgrading
6 Village Road VR 403 5 0 113 290 Dilapidated
Maintenance,
Culverts and
Upgrading
Total 760 120 264 376
Source: Dhanusha District Road Inventory 2007
Road Density and Ac cess to Rural Area

The district road Statistics exhibits that the district has total 760km of length comprising 120
km Blacktop, 264 gravel and 376 km of earthen road. The road density is about 64km for
every 100 square km of area and 1.13km of road per 1000 population of the district. The
district road density 64 is higher than the national average 15 while the road length 1.13km
per thousand populations in the district is quite lower than the National Average of 3.2km.
This information coined with the physical condition of the road reveals that the district road
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capacity has to be increased by extending and upradation of fair-weather roads to all

weather roads. All earthen road are to be upgraded to gravel road with concrete culverts and
bridges while all gravel roads linking the service centers to the district head quarter to
blacktop. Every VDCs in the district is connected with the fair weather road while only a few
VDCs and Service centers are connected with the all weather roads (blacktop). During
Monsoon, due to flooding, most of the road gets damaged due to inundation resulting in
complete communication break up for 25 percent of the VDCs and limited communication to
45 percent of the VDCs. Only 30 percent of the VDCs remain connected to the district HQ
and other parts of the country through out the year.
Mode of Transportation
Major mode of transportation for goods and people are truck, tractor and buses plying on
National Highway (61km), and District road (38km black top) and on gravel district road
(130km) with limited frequency. The movement of Buses on Gravel Road is unreliable and
get disturbed during the monsoon. For other parts of the district tractor and Bullock carts are
still means of transportation for good and people. In last one decade number of two wheelers
has increased drastically and has emerged as major mode of transportation for individuals in
urban as well as rural area of the district. Other important mode of transportation to cover
short distance is Rickshaw in urban and rural area of the district. The dependency of rural
people to transport their products to the local market on Bullock cart is seen as impediments
to the commercialization of agriculture. All weather Village Roads also known as Agriculture
Roads is the pre requisite for the development of primary sector including aqua culture,
horticulture, floriculture and its commercialization. Similarly efficient (safe and fast)
movement of people and goods along the tourist corridors (Janakpur – Dhanushadham,
Janakpur - Jaleshwer, Janakpur – Satoshar, Janakpur – Girjasthan etc) of the district can
ensure the development of the tourism in the district. A detailed District Transport Master
Plan has to be prepared and implemented considering agriculture and tourism as lead sector
for the development of the district.
Inter Distric t Transport ation

The northern region of the district is directly linked with other districts and corners of the
nation through East West highway, however, the majorities of the settlement along with
district head quarter is linked with other districts through single lane black top feeder road
(Janakpur – Dhalkewar, 24km) meeting East West highway at Dhalkewar. The Janakpur –
Dhalkewar is developing as industrial corridor. The majorities of the agricultural and
industrial and other commodities are exported and imported to and from other districts
through this over crowded dilapidated road stretch. The road needs urgent widening and
reconstruction to facilitate efficient movement of goods and people. Trucks are used as only
means for inter district transportation of goods while buses are generally used for movement
of people beside some private and institutional vehicles. The origin destination volume count
survey shows that about 24 night buses and 7 day buses are plying on Janakpur Kathmandu
route daily. Janakpur is linked with Biratnagar (18 bus trip daily), Birgunj (24 bus trip daily),
Kakadvitta (4 night and 8 day bus trip daily) Jaleshwer Mahottari (24 bus trip daily). Similarly,
Janakpur has direct bus link with other major towns of the nation like Rajbiraj, Shira, Gaighat
Udaypur, Sindhuli, Hetauda, Narayanghat, Pokhra, Bhairahwa, Nepalgunja etc with low
frequencies. However, the flow of goods is mainly with Birgunj, Biratnagar and Kathmandu.
The imports and exports of agricultural products like vegetables, dairy products and fishes
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occurs through buses plying on respective route basically due to lower scale of trading by
individuals.
Linkage with Indian Boarder Towns

The study of boarder towns has revealed that the growth is a function of its linkage with
Indian boarder towns. Perhaps this is one of the major reasons behind slow growth of
Janakpur with respect to Bhairahwa, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar and Birgunj. The only railway
(meter gauge) in the nation joins Janakpur with Indian Town Jayanagar however the service
quality and reliability is so poor that the 34 km journey takes more than 3 hours. Due to
technical difficulties frequent disruption is prevalent discouraging traders for the extension
and operation of Business. However, the Indian government has extended Broad gauge
railway network to Jaynagar facilitating direct fast track movement to Kalkutta and New
Delhi. This has increased the trading and commercial potential immensely in the region. It
can boost the industrial development and enhance the import export efficiency in the district
if Janakpur Jaynagar railway is given new face with broad gauge track.
Janakpur – Jathi is another road connecting to Indian towns of Darbhanga and Madhubani
through Umgaon. The physical condition of road and bridges on either side of the boarder is
so dilapidated that the loaded trucks prefer to avoid the route. Even the bus and small
vehicle journey is very uncomfortable. However, the Indian government has initiated the
construction of four lanes national highway to bring Umgaon, Durbhanga and Madhwani to
national grid of transportation network. The Nepal government has also planned to
reconstruct and maintain the road.
Janakpur –Jaleshwer – Bhithamod is another route linking Dhanusha to Indian boarder town
of Sitamadhi, Mujjafarpur and Patna. It has been the life line for both Dhanusha and
Mahottari Districts. It has been the major trade route in the past but for last one decades the
heavy vehicles movement have been risky and discontinued due to damage caused by
annual floods to bridges and road surface on Indian Side. For last two years the situation
has improved after the construction of new bridges and road however the road on Nepal side
needs widening and proper and timely maintenance. The major bridge over Aurahi River just
north of Mahendranagar collapsed three years ago. Since then, buses and all other vehicle
plying on Dhalkewar –Janakpur route have to run over the debris of the Bridge. Similarly
other bridges in the stretch are in dilapidated condition resulting in disruption of movement
during monsoon season. Despite allocation of billions of rupee annually to transportation
sector, the pathetic condition of one of the busiest route and economically important road
and bridges in the nation for years reveals the biased planning approach of the policy
makers.
6.2 Information and Communication
Information and communication has emerged as leading infrastructure necessary for the
development of district, region and even the country. In last two decades, the country has
seen tremendous development in the sector with various communication and information
companies competing. Dhanusha district is not an exception. It has seen an unprecedented
growth in mass communication sector with the opening of seven FM station in the district
providing news, views and entertainment to the people.
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Telecommunication
Nepal Telecom Company has been providing telecommunication facilities in the district for
long. Recently, Mero Mobile has started its service in the district. Telecommunication has
been providing all kind of communication service like PSTN, GSM, CDMA, Sky Phone and
internet services. It has distributed 7500 PSTN lines covering the municipal area and
Dhalkewar and Mahendranagar. The Marts system was covering about 35 VDCs however;
the towers in most of the VDCs were demolished during the decade long Maoist insurgency.
The telecom is installing CDMA technology instead of MARTS. At present almost all VDCs of
the district is connected with some forms of communication specially mobile technology.
The telecommunication facilities in the district are depicted in the table below:
Table 6.2 Telecommunication Facilit ies in the distri ct

Type of Service No of Lines Coverage Capacity
Pre paid Post paid (No of VDCs)
PSTN 7500 JKR, Dhalkewar and 10000
Mahendranagar
MARTS* 35 35 VDCs
GSM (Mobile) 8000 4000 All VDCs
CDMA 3150 800 73 5000
Sky Phone 1000 All VDCs 1000
MERO Mobile 5000 All VDCs
No of ISP Providers 3 all in JKR
Internet Connection 2000
No of Cyber Cafe 10 in JKR 1 in Mnagar
Postal Service
District 1 at JKR
Ilaka 13 in each Ilaka
Others 75 in VDCs
Source: Nep al Telec om Office, J ana kpur 2007
District Statistics Office
Mero Mobile has recently extended its service to the district and has sold more than 5000
connection covering almost each VDCs in the district. However the quality of services for
mobile has deteriorated mainly due to high traffic and low capacity. An external antenna has
to be used in case of remote VDCs. The annual revenue collection of Nepal Telecom has
increased to Nrs 105 Million. The annual fluctuation is attributed to the new connection fee
and new sales of pre paid mobiles. Table 6.3 Annual Income of Nepal Telecom
The number of subscriber has been Revenue Collection in 000
increasing and still there is great %
demand for NTC mobile and PSTN Year Sales Others Total Change
services. Due to poor quality, CDMA
2003/4 97820 6093 103913
lines are not popular among the urban
people while it is the only mode in case 2004/05 71910 5932 77842 -25.0893
of remote village. 2005/06 105939 4845 110784 42.31906
2006/07 101770 3033 104803 -5.39879
Source: Nepa l Telecom Office, J anakpur
Besides mobile, internet and emails are becoming popular mode of communication in the
urban community. At present, three internet service providers are providing internet services
to more than 2000 individual and 70 institutional subscribers. The service has not extended
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to service centers and VDCs except in Mahendranagar. More that 10 cyber cafes are
functioning in the district. Some of the cyber cafes are using even the wireless internet
facility. However, ISTN, ADSL and VOIP services are not available due to limited band width
connection. Broad band connection is not available even though the district is connected
with the Optical Fiber.
Postal service is limited to the official use only due to increasing trend of email and internet.
Mass Communi cation

Radiio, TV and Newspaper are major means of mass communication in the district. TV is
facilitated with 5 cable operators in and around Janakpur while the VDCs have its own cable
operator. About 60 percent of the VDCs in the district have some kind of cable TV networks.
Though a comprehensive data is not available about the TV ownership, it has been
estimated that about 70 percent of household in the Municipal area and 8 percent household
in village area possess a TV. Similarly about 120 daily and weekly news paper are
registered in the district, however only 5 daily news paper and few weekly paper and
magazine are published from the district. The distribution of these news papers are limited to
municipal and some service center areas. The national daily, weekly and other magazines
are also available in Janakpur, Mahendranagar and other settlements along the east west
highways. Indian daily and weekly are equally popular among the Janakpurbasi.
FM radio has emerged as leader of the mass communication in the district with the opening
of 6 FM stations within last two years. 3 community FM radio are established with the
support of DANIDA while 3 commercial FM stations are established by the local private
sector. It has increased the political awareness tremendously besides creating jobs in the
district. Due to its proximity to the Indian Boarder town and unavailability of FM station there,
these FM radios have great opportunity to extend their market to Indian towns. Some of the
FM radios are already ripping the benefits. These FM radios will bring comprehensive
change in political, social, economic and environmental awareness among the citizen in the
region if focused and managed properly. The signs are evident.
Telephones, mobiles and TVs are still far from the reach of the general people in District as
these services are limited to the district head quarter. Each VDC need a good quality PCO
with telephone and internet facility with VOIP so that relatives of migrant workers can be in
touch with each other at cheaper price. People living in capital and other major towns with
high purchasing power are using far cheaper communication facilities that the poor rural
population. This has to be reversed. Private service providers, Nepal Telecom etc should
extend their services to the rural area.
6.3 Electric ity and Alt ernate Energy
Electricity is another basic infrastructure for the development of the district. Nepal Electricity
Authority is the sole electricity provider in rural and urban area of the district. Electricity is
mainly use for household consumption in lighting (65%) and cooking (<5%) and industrial
use (30%). The table 6.4 shows that only 45 percent of the population have access to
electricity while 62 percent of the VDCs are connected with the electricity network in the
district revealing that some of the VDCs are not fully electrified on one hand and on the other
the downtrodden population (ultra poor) can not afford the high cost of power. The industrial
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share in revenue is more than 30 percent indicating the industrial opportunities in the district.
The district electricity authority revealed that all the VDCs (102) will be brought under
electricity network, however unless the electricity is made affordable to ultra poor and
farmers, its impact on poverty reduction will be limited.
Table 6.4 Annual Growth of Electricity Sec tor in the district

No of VDCs covered under Electricity Network = 62 /102 (64% VDC coverage)
No of Consumer till 2063/63 = 46000
Total Population Covered = 300000 (45% Population Coverage)
year Annual Annual Annual Annual Total Growth
New Revenue Industrial Industrial Revenue in
Domestic Collection Connection Revenue in Nrs 000 Revenue
Connection in Rs 000 Connection in in %
Rs 000
2003/04 4496 205679 35 91362 297041
2004/05 4409 213110 41 93551 306661 3.24
2005/06 7709 239859 47 102424 342283 11.62
2006/07 4496 259100 55 122278 381378 11.42
Over the year, coverage has increased, however the quality has deteriorated. Annual load
shading is about 4 hours in general while during it reaches up to 40 hrs a week. Voltage
fluctuation and low voltage is another common feature of the electricity in the district
increasing the maintenance cost of household appliance and small processing units. Power
theft is another problem especially rural area. The annual increase of 12 percent in revenue
collection is positive aspect.
Al ternate Energy

The household distribution as per the use of source of energy for lightening cooking
indicates that about 55 percent of population depends on kerosene for lightening and 70
percent of HH depends on fire wood and cow dung for cooking contributing to high pressure
on decreasing forest resources and expensive fossil fuel. This also contributes to
deteriorating environment and global warming. Despite, there has been little effort to
promote alternate energy in the district. Only 266 HH is using solar energy that too for
warming water only.
Bio gas production using cow and buffalo dung has high potential in the district if coined with
dairy development. Despite considerably high number of cattle in Dhanusha, the national
programs and NGOs and INGOs initiatives to promote Gober/Bio gas have been focused to
hilly district. More than 50000 HH have one or more than one cow/ox and 30000 HH have
Buffalo. More than 20000 HH have both cow and buffalo. The number can go considerably
high if Gober/Bio gas is properly promoted in rural areas.
Table 6.5 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for lightening
Source
Descriptio n Total HH Electrici ty Kerosin e Bio Gas Others
Percentage 100 43.82 53.6 0.22 2.36
No 117417 51451 62941 253 2773
Sourc e: District Statistics Office
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Table 6.6 HH distribution as per the use of source of energy for Cooking
Source of energy
Wood/
No of Cow LP Bio
Description HH Dun g Ker os en e Gas Gas Ot her s Un kn ow n
Nos 117417 80189 24816 8083 399 1814 2116
Percentage 100 68.29 21.13 6.88 0.34 1.54 1.80
6.4 Water Suppl y
Ground Water is the major source of drinking water in the district. More than 95 percent of
the people depend on ground water while only few are using surface water as source for
drinking water. About 30 percent of populations have access to piped water mainly in Urban
areas and northern region of the district where tube well is either not feasible or too
expensive. Ground water table study undertaken by the ground water division office and
district water supply office suggests that drinking water can be extracted at the depth of 10
feet or more in southern area of the district while artesian aquifer is prevalent in north of
district headquarter about 20km wide stretching from east to west. In further North ie along
the east west highway and further north, the water table is so low that shallow tubewell is not
possible. Deep tubewell is prevalent in this region for drinking water.
Table 6.7 HH Distr ibut ion as per Access t o Source of Water Supply
Source of drink ing Water
Piped Inar, River/
Total Water Kuwa Tubewell Spring Str eam Ot her s Un kn ow n
HH 117417 35237 6619 71649 266 275 626 2746
Percentage 100 30.01 5.64 61.02 0.23 0.23 0.53 2.34
Source: District Statistics O ffice 2005
Sources No
Inar 1754
Tubewell 44500
Tap 2053
Artesian Well 82
Deep Tubewell 67
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Surface water is mainly used in Lalgadh, Tulsi Chaura, and Mainawati of Godar VDC. All
these settlements are north of East West highway. Care Nepal and other NGO/INGO helped
in installing water supply system in northern area of the district while the government of
Nepal provided subsidies for community tubewells in southern area. Due to unclear
ownership and poor maintenance level, the community tubewells have become defunct over
the time period. Recently, the VDC has initiated to form users group at local level for owning
and maintaining these community tubewells. The mechanism is working efficiently as per the
DDC and local people. Majorities of the HH own individual tube wells.
The quality of the groundwater is safe for drinking in general. However the recent study and
Arsenic test has shown high iron content in VDCs along the east west highway and its
adjacent VDCs on southern side. The arsenic test study supported by UNICEF reveals that
about 95.6 percent of the tube wells have arsenic concentration less than 10 ppb, around
3.6 percent of the tube wells have arsenic concentration between 10 to 50ppb and about 0.8
percent of the tubewells have arsenic concentration more that 50 ppb. Higher arsenic
concentration is prevalent in Balha Saghara, Lakkar, Goth Kohalpur, Inurwa, Balabakhar,
Balha Goth, Duhabi, Ithaharwa, Satokhar, Raghunathpur, Sonigama, Sabaila, Jhatiyahi,
Bagchaura, Kajra Ramaul, Dhanusha Govindpur, Gopalpur, Hanspur Kathpulla, Basbiti,
Mithileshwer Nikas and Janakpur Municipality. Most of these settlements are in eastern
region of the district ie along the Kamla River.
Table 6.8 No of Tube wells and Ars enic Concentr ation in Dhanush a
No of Tube well No of well with Arsenic Concentration in ppb
10 t0
Public Private Total <10 % 50 % >50 % R emarks
100 %
5386 54189 595 75 56980 95.64 2145 3.60 450 0.76 Coverage
Source : Water Supp ly and Sanitation O ffice 2006
Table 6.9 On goin g Water Supply Proj ect in Dhanusha Distr ict
Name of the project Locatio n No of Start Date Completion Cost
Beneficiary Date in 000
Lohna WSP Lohna (ward no 1-9) 2500 2006/07 2007/08 500
Naktajhijh WSP Naktajhijh (W No 1-6) 4707 2000/01 2007/08 17180
Laxmi Niwas WSP Laxmi niwas (W No 1-9) 5317 1999/2000 2007/08 16058
Mahendranagar WSP M Nagar (W no 1-4) 8100 1999/2000 2008/09 16267
Dhanusha Dham WSP DD Ward no 1-5 14695 1998/99 2007/08 29489
Source : Water Supp ly and Sanitation O ffice 2006
The Government of Nepal, Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office has been
implementing various water supply projects especially in northern region of the district.
Majorities of these projects (Naktajhij, Laxminiwars, Mahendranagar and Dhanusha Dham)
are deep boring with over head tank and piped water supply system. In southern region, the
government support in community shallow tubewells like in Lohna.
People in southern region dispose waste water from community tube well and even
individual tube well to the road creating ground for mosquito breeding on one hand and filthy
environment on the other. Any water supply project should include the waste water disposal
system along with the water fetching platform. The water fetching time has considerably
reduced in through out the district. However water quality due to presence of arsenic in
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eastern region along the Kamla River has to be dealt carefully and technology should be
developed to solve this problem in the Terai region of the country.
Water supply system in Janakpur is mixed type. Beside the supply of piped water supply
within core area (Parikrama Sadak) by water supply Corporation, each HH has its own
individual tube well due to its reliability and uninterrupted supply.
Table 6.10 Households Using Main Source Of Drink ing Water
Spout River/ Not
Ar ea Total Tap/Pipe Well Tubewell Water Stream Others Stated
NEPAL 4174457 2209760 377241 1184156 267180 61400 37232 37489
% 100.00 52.94 9.04 28.37 6.40 1.47 0.89 0.90
CDR 1465753 846532 124697 412473 48557 9213 10287 13994
% 100.00 57.75 8.51 28.14 3.31 0.63 0.70 0.95
Dhanusha 117417 35237 6619 71649 266 275 626 2746
% 100.00 30.01 5.64 61.02 0.23 0.23 0.53 2.34
Nationa l Ce nsus 2001
6.5 Sanitation , Sewage/Drainage and Solid Waste Management
Survey for the use of toilet facility conducted in 2005 by district health office revealed that
only 40 percent of the HH are having toilet facility (septic toile 25.9 %, Pit toilet 15.2%) and
rest of the population uses opens space especially the land around water body for
defecation. The pathetic situation of sanitation is evident from the fact that road stretches
just outside of any village gives an impression of open toilet. It is shame for the local
inhabitants and the government; however the situation has not changed for long due to
lower level of awareness, education and poor government intervention. The Rural Water
Supply and Sanitation Programme virtually have not implemented any sanitation program in
rural area of the district. The fact is evident from the comparative date presented in Table
6.11 exhibiting the toilet facility is far behind than national and CDR averages. Recently
NEWA in association with local NGO (Women Development Service Center has initiated the
sanitation program under Water for Health Program. It has provided technical and financial
support for the construction of more than a thousand toilets in 9 VDCs of the districts. WDSC
is running awareness program in those VDCs to get optimum benefit of the program. Other
VDCs in the district have also forwarded similar demand but seeking the security reasons,
the program has been canceled.
In municipal area, more Table 6.11 Household by Type of Toilet Facility

No Not
than 70 percent of the HH
Area Total Flush Ordinary Toilet Stated
has septic toilet facility
Nepal 4174457 946923 978829 2191325 57380
while more than 70 percent
% 100.00 22.68 23.45 52.49 1.37
of HH does not have any
CDR 1465753 439421 306718 697809 21806
form of toilet in rural area.
% 100.00 29.98 20.93 47.61 1.49
The situation is worse in
Dhanusha 117417 17638 30428 66050 3301
southern region mainly due
% 100.00 15.02 25.91 56.25 2.81
to low level of awareness. Source: National Census 2001
Settlements in Terai are organically developed, dense with narrow streets and very few
motorable roads with virtually no drains. After allocation of fund to the VDCs, the village level
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roads have been alleviated and maintained without provision of any drains causing blockage
of domestic waste water and rainwater. The domestic waste water is managed by digging a
ditch in the backyard of individual premises providing breeding ground for mosquito and flies
resulting into spread of water borne diseases frequently. Sometimes, they open the drain on
road creating stinking and filthy environment. Drainage becomes major problem during
monsoon. Ponds and other water bodies get contaminated and hence negative
consequences on human and cattle life. Even in Municipal are of Janakpur only 43 percent
of area and 55 percent of HH is covered with proper drainage system. Recently, the division
office of housing and urban development in association with municipality has prepared
drainage master plan and is constructing the trunk lines within the municipal area. The VDCs
should be provided technical support for construction of drains to dispose domestic waste
water and monsoon runoff. It will drastically reduce the cases of water borne diseases in the
district.
Solid waste is an urban problem, however due to increasing use of plastic, tin and other non
degradable substances even at village level, rural areas also have initiated to experience
such problem. In rural areas, more than 95 percent of waste is bio degradable and hence is
used as manure after composting at local level. In Janakpur, solid waste is managed
conventionally by collecting and dumping the garbage at designated dumping site. About 3.3
MT of solid waste is generated daily in the municipal area. People dump the garbage from
their house to its nearby nooks and corners of road. The municipality collects waster from
these location by mobilizing more that 16 tractors and 30 sweepers and dumps finally at the
bank of Doodhmati River. This service is available within the Parikrama Sadak.
The major impediments of the sanitation in the district is awareness level among the general
people, increasing use of plastic and plastic products and low priority intervention of GOs,
NGOs and CSOs towards sanitation program in the district.
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Chapter 7
Social Infrastructure
7.1 Education
Education is the most important indicator of human development index. Literacy provides
access to information, while educational attainment provides scope for new opportunities. It
is a social infrastructure and hence its demand, supply and accessibility to everyone are to
be ensured for the development of the district. The school going population distribution and
number of schools, its location with other physical facilities and student teacher ration
determines the demand and supply of education services. The general status of literacy in
the district and its comparison with region and national level in presented in Table below;
Table 7.1 : POPULATION 6 YEARSOF AG E AND OVER BY LITERACY STATUSAND SEX
Total Ca n't Read and Write C an rea d Only Ca n Rea d and Write both Not Stated
Area Total Ma le Female Total Ma le Female Total Ma le Female Total Ma le Female Total Ma le Female
Ne pal 19255805 9592569 9663236 7654241 2720233 4934008 1133172 574324 558849 10348428 6242957 4105470 119964 55054 64909
% 100.00 100.00 100.00 39.75 28.36 51.06 5.88 5.99 5.78 53.74 65.08 42.49 0.62 0.57 0.67
CDR 6802795 3485723 3317073 2807448 1062699 1744750 375074 194039 181034 3580799 2209000 1371797 39476 19978 19489
%5 100.00 100.00 100.00 41.27 30.49 52.60 5.51 5.57 5.46 52.64 63.37 41.36 0.58 0.57 0.59
Dhanusha 557980 291535 266445 255045 101066 153979 28870 14520 14350 269873 173776 96097 4192 2173 2018
% 100.00 100.00 100.00 45.71 34.67 57.79 5.17 4.98 5.39 48.37 59.61 36.07 0.75 0.75 0.76
Source: Nationa l Census 2001
Table 7.2 LITERATE POPULATION 6 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER BY EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (LEVEL PASSED)
(6-7) C ertificate
No (1-5) Lower (8-10) SLC & & Post Not
Area Total Schooling Primary Secondary Secondary Equivalent Equivalent Graduate Graduate Others Stated
Nepal 10348431 904426 4333968 1986850 1177429 931583 532232 277165 75083 25110 104576
% 100.00 8.74 41.88 19.20 11.38 9.00 5.14 2.68 0.73 0.24 1.01
C DR 3580799 313496 1340114 642068 411160 390974 244116 145386 43459 10958 39060
% 100.00 8.75 37.42 17.93 11.48 10.92 6.82 4.06 1.21 0.31 1.09
Dhanusha 269873 13130 93270 48209 30991 36238 24753 13453 3797 1454 4578
% 100.00 4.87 34.56 17.86 11.48 13.43 9.17 4.98 1.41 0.54 1.70
Table 7.3 Literacy Rate of Dhanusha

District
Year 1971 1981 1991 2001
Total 11.9 18.37 30.1 48.37

Literacy
Male 20.5 28.47 43.1 59.61

Female 2.8 7.29 16.1 36.07
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Despite being located in plains of Terai and nearer to India, the literacy rate of Dhanusha is
lower than the national as well as regional averages (CDR). Per capita investment on
primary education is substantially lower in Terai region than hill and mountain; however the
continued government and donor’s negligence for years have jeopardized the education
sector development in the district. Only marginal percentage of population have attained
graduation level education reveals the under development of all other sectors in the district.
The total literacy rate has increased from 12 percent in 1911 to 48.5 percent in 2001,
however, substantial change is visible after restoration of democracy in 1990. The Female
literacy rate (36%) is one of the lowest in Nation. This could be attributed to the rampant
poverty and cultural barriers which discriminate alarmingly between girl and boy child. A
social movement with strong political commitment is necessary to overcome this cultural
barrier.
Table 7.4 School Going Population Distribution Age and Sex

TOTAL 0-4 5-9 10-15 School Going Percentage
YEARS YEARS YEARS Pop (5 -15 )
Total 670826 87943 103835 91390 195225 29.1
Male 348943 44745 53778 49708 103486 15.4
Female 321883 43198 50057 41682 91739 13.7
Source: Na tional C ensus 2001
Table 7.5 No of Schools in the Distric t 2001 No of Schools in the Distric t 2007
Type of School Govt Private Total Type of School Govt Private Total
Pre Primary 100 79 180 Pre Primary 100 92 192
Primary 208 25 237 Primary 213 41 254
Lower Secondary 29 11 43 Lower Secondary 39 23 62
Secondary 50 25 79 Secondary 60 43 103
Higher Secondary 2 18 20 Higher Secondary 2 22 24
Campus 2 4 6 Campus 2 6 8
Training Institution Training Institution
(CTEVT) 1 6 7 (CTEVT) 1 6 7
Source: Na tional C ensus 2001, District Educ ation Office 2007
The VDC wise school distribution exhibits that 650 (417 Govt and 133 Private) registered
schools are operating in the district. About 90 percent of the private schools are situated in
the urban area reveals that the community schools are necessity of rural population specially
the poor. Each VDC in the district has at least a primary school. The location of secondary
and lower secondary schools in the district is evenly distributed to assure equal opportunity
for all. The average time to reach nearest primary school and secondary school is about 10
20 minutes in rural areas while it is less in urban areas. The education in the district is
analysed at various level as below
7.1.1 Pre Primary Educatio n
The pre primary age (3-5) population of the district is about 35000. Pre primary education is
only a decade old concept for rural areas propounded by NGOs. Numerous pre primary
schools cropped up in communities but could not sustain after withdrawal of external
support. At present about 100 pre primary schools are operating in each rural and urban
area. According to district education office only about 8000 to 10000 children are enrolled
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and more that 25000 children are deprived. Child Care centers with relevant physical
facilities and child education material are to be developed in each village for the proper
development of children in the district.
7.1.2 Primary Educati on
The national census 2001 shows that 103835 children are in age of primary school goers (5
to 9). The DEO estimate indicate that 122000 children are in age of primary school student
in 2007, however total student enrolled in primary school is 93837 (77%). About 23 percent
of children are stilled deprived of education in the district. Similarly about 65 percent of only
dalit children are enrolled in schools while remaining 35 percent are engaged as shepherd or
household workers.
Table 7.6 Primary School Total and Dalit Enrolment by Sex and Grade
G rad e 1 Grad e 2 Grade 3 G rad e 4 Grad e 5 Grad e 1-5
Description Girls Boys Tota l G irls Boys Tota l Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Tota l Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total
Total Enrolment 13188 14247 27435 11239 11752 22991 9843 10701 20544 5553 6916 12469 4743 5655 10398 44566 49271 93837
Dalit Enrolment 3967 4493 8460 3183 3516 6699 2614 3179 5793 1239 1740 2964 844 1273 2117 11847 14201 26033
Others
Enrolment 6759 7102 13861 5918 5998 11916 5439 5576 11015 3132 3800 6932 2848 3118 5966 24096 25594 49690
Total Repe ater 3601 3515 7116 1151 1099 2250 471 570 1041 254 340 594 200 290 490 5677 5814 11491
Dalit Rep eater 1060 1157 2217 324 330 654 134 153 287 64 88 152 40 61 101 1622 1789 3411
Othe r Rep eater 2033 1818 3851 663 602 1265 249 305 554 144 180 324 115 165 280 3204 3070 6274
Transfer 127 131 258 169 124 293 126 122 248 104 95 199 67 69 136 593 541 1134
Total New
Enrolment 8150 8982 17132 2337 2619 4956 1918 2072 3990 1197 1546 2743 1026 1349 2375 14628 16568 31196
Dalit New
Enrolment 2528 2818 5346 643 849 1492 527 660 1187 293 422 715 169 325 494 4160 5074 9234
Source: District Educa tion O ffice 2007
The geographical distribution of primary school in Table 7.7 Primary Level Education Status,
the district suggests that average time to reach 2006
primary school is about 10 to 20 minutes. Despite Grade 1-5
easy access, low enrollment reveals the rampant Description Particulars Girls Boys Total
poverty forcing people to keep their children away Total 44364 52184 96548
from school. The prevailing culture, traditional Enrolment Da lit 11648 14852 26500
occupational system and negative attitude of
% 26.26 28.46 27.45
people are among the major impediments of lower
Total 33859 39557 73416
school enrollment and attendance factor. The Appearing
in Exam % 76.32 75.80 76.04
situation is worse in case of Dalit, Janjati and girl
Da lit 9078 11069 20147
children.
Primary Level Students as per Social % 77.94 74.53 76.03
Group Total 31439 36626 68065
Passing
Grade 1-5 Exam % 70.87 70.19 70.50
Total Dalit J anjati Others Da lit 8315 10444 18759
93837 26033 18099 49705 % 71.39 70.32 70.79
Percent 27.74 19.29 52.97 Source : District Educ ation O ffice
The appearance of students in exam and their passing rate in primary school is encouraging
for Dalit and exhibit that they are equally talented and can prove themselves if equal and
facility and opportunity is provided.
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Table 7.8 ECD/PPC Enrolment in the District, 2007

Total Dalit J anjati Others
Tota Girl G irl Tot
Description Girls Boys Total Girls Boys l s Boys Total s Boys al
ECD/PPC 198 256 107 297
Enrolment 5 7 4552 506 569 5 504 667 1171 975 1331 3
After EC D 121 127 157
Enrolment G -1 9 3 2492 308 319 627 288 313 601 623 641 7
EC D By Age G roup
Correct age (3-4
Underage (<3 yrs) yrs) Over age (>4) Total Students Rmk
Boy Tota Tota Boy Tota
Girls s l Girls Boys Total Girls Boys l Girls s l
185 141
7.1.3 Low er Secondary Educati on
There are 63 lower secondary schools including 23 private sector boarding schools mainly
located in the urban area. The 39 secondary schools are geographically distributed in all
region of the district. Beside, all secondary schools also have primary as well as lower
secondary schools. The total enrollment and participation of Dalits in lower secondary school
is presented in table below:
Table 7.9 Enrolment in Lower Sec ondary Level Education 2007

Description Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 6-8
Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total
Total Enrolment 2541 3452 5993 2475 3671 6146 2113 3287 5400 7129 10410 17539
Dalit Enrolment 423 655 1078 352 658 1010 280 547 827 1055 1860 2915
J anjati Enrolment 532 668 1200 633 653 1286 439 619 1058 1604 1940 3544
Other Enrolment 518 682 3715 1599 2251 3850 1399 2116 3515 4598 6482 11080
Total Repeater 124 211 335 89 144 233 84 161 245 297 516 813
Dalit Repeater 15 33 48 7 14 21 15 25 40 37 72 109
J anjati Repeater 77 122 199 45 83 128 44 103 147 166 308 474
Other Repeater 92 155 247 52 97 149 59 128 187 203 380 583
Total Transfer 871 1124 1995 62 84 146 84 104 188 1017 1312 2329
Dalit Transfer 140 220 360 18 24 42 26 35 61 184 279 463
J anjati Transfer 188 231 419 8 6 14 11 4 15 207 241 448
Other Transfer 543 673 1216 36 54 90 47 65 112 626 792 1418
Source: District Educ ation O ffice
Table 7.10 Social Composition of Students at Lower Sec ondary Level 2007
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grad e 8 Grade 6-8
Total Dalit J anjati Others Total Dalit J anjati Others Total Dalit J anjati Others Total Dalit J anjati Others
5993 1078 1200 2456 6146 1010 1286 2428 5400 827 1058 2435 17539 2915 3544 8303
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Considering 11-13 as age group for Lower Secondary Education, the total number of
children in this age group is about 55000 while the total enrollment in lower secondary level
education is only 17539 (32%). It shows that the massive drive of government to enroll in
primary education has not been able to retain the students even for lower secondary and
secondary level education. The dropout percentage at primary level is very high ie about
30%. It exhibits the immediate need for massive awareness campaign for education and
new mechanism to retain the Girl, Dalit and Janjati Children.
Table 7.11 Lower Sec ondary Students Appearing and Passing Exams 2006
Grade 6 Grad e 7 Grade 8 Grade 6-8
Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Tota l Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total
Total Enrolment
2006 2699 4559 7258 2422 3722 6144 2222 3462 5684 7343 11743 19086
Dalit Enrolmen
2006 392 705 1097 316 566 882 243 499 742 951 1770 2721
LS ap peared in
Exam 2456 3618 6074 2188 3229 5417 1976 3024 5000 6620 9871 16491
Percentage 91.0 79.4 83.7 90.3 86.8 88.2 88.9 87.3 88.0 90.2 84.1 86.4
LS Dalit Ap peared
in Exam 336 628 964 279 504 783 215 448 663 830 1580 2410
Percentage 85.7 89.1 87.9 88.3 89.0 88.8 88.5 89.8 89.4 87.3 89.3 88.6
LS Tota l Student
Pa ss 2351 3490 5841 2064 3220 5284 1921 2859 4780 6336 9569 15905
95.7 96.1
Percentage 2 96.46 6 94.33 99.72 97.54 97.22 94.54 95.60 95.71 96.94 96.45
LS Dalit Student
Pa ss 316 602 918 259 480 739 206 428 634 781 1510 2291
94.0 95.2
Percentage 5 95.86 3 92.83 95.24 94.38 95.81 95.54 95.63 94.10 95.57 95.06
7.1.4 Secondary Level Educati on
There are 103 secondary school including 43 private schools catering the secondary level
education demand. Most of the private schools are located in Municipality and other market
centers. The table below exhibits the secondary school level enrolment in the district. The
population by age illustrates that there are 27000 children in age group 14-15 (Secondary
school age). The SS level total enrolment is only 30% (60% boys and 40% girl). The 76% of
total enrolment at primary level and only 30% of total enrolment at secondary level shows
higher level of dropout at primary and lower secondary level education. The enrolment of
Dalit and Janjati children constitute about 14.3 % and 15.3% while their combined population
is over 50 percent. Drop out after primary level education is normal feature among girls, Dalit
ad Janajatis.
Table 7.12 Sec ondary Level Enrolment 2007
Description G rad e 9 G rad e 10 Grade 9-10
Girls Boys Total G irls Boys Total G irls Boys Total
SS Tota l Enrolment 1608 2801 4409 1642 2051 3693 3250 4852 8102
SS Da lit Enrolment 207 435 642 170 341 511 377 776 1153
SS J anjati
Enrolment 254 452 706 211 320 531 465 772 1237
SS Other
Enrolment 1095 1966 3061 1237 1414 2651 2332 3380 5712
SS Total Rep eater 60 136 196 29 32 61 89 168 257
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Description G rad e 9 G rad e 10 Grade 9-10

Girls Boys Total G irls Boys Total G irls Boys Total
SS Da lit Rep eater 7 16 23 15 13 28 22 29 51
SS Other
Repeater 50 112 162 14 17 31 64 129 193
SS Tota l Transfer 76 114 190 2 3 5 78 117 195
SS Da lit Transfer 12 17 29 0 1 1 12 18 30
Table 7.13 Enrolment of Students in Sec ondary School by Social group

Description Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 9-10
Social Group Total Dalit J anjati Others Total Dalit J anjati Others Total Dalit Janjati Others
Popula tion 4409 642 706 1800 3693 511 531 1332 8102 1153 1237 3390
14.2
Percentage 100 14.6 16.01 40.83 100 13.8 14.38 36.07 100 3 15.27 41.842
Table 7.14 Appearance and Passing of Secondary Level

Description Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 9-10
Girls Boys Total Girls Boys Total Girl s Boys Total

Total Enrolment 1586 2767 4353 1465 2299 3764 3051 5066 8117
Dalit Enrolment 183 387 570 140 327 467 323 714 1037
Total Appea ranc e in
Exam 1366 2190 3556 1317 1999 3316 2683 4189 6872
Dalit Appearance in
Exam 154 252 406 118 282 400 272 534 806
Total Pass in Exam 1313 2200 3513 1303 1938 3241 2616 4138 6754
Dalit Pa ss in Exam 143 338 481 118 243 361 261 581 842
No o f Disab led
Students 4 14 18 8 15 23 12 29 41
Source: District Educ ation Office
7.1.5 Inform al Educatio n
Informal education has been facilitated by NGOs and CBOs at village level in the form of
Adult Education, Child Education/Day Care Centers, Literacy Improvement Program,
however the effectiveness of these programs are highly questioned at local as well as district
level.
7.1.6 Scholarship
Scholarships are given to Dalit, Poor and Meritorious students as per the government policy.
In some VDCs, the SMC has devised certain criterion for distributing the scholarship as
ethnicity and poverty differs from village to village. The income expenditure data of all the
schools in the district shows that Nrs 7940618 have been distributed as scholarship in
2006/07 to the Dalit and Poor Students of the district studying different schools. The fund
allocated was Nrs 8460560. As per the District Education Officer, the fund has been
increase in the past however, it is not sufficient to provide incentive to poor to send their
children to school. The total enrolment in primary education has increased but could not be
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sustained up to secondary level resulting into substantial drop outs. A comprehensive

package has to be developed for the family to improve the level of education.
7.1.7 Teacher and Resource Center
More than 1800 teachers are working in primary schools while lower secondary and
secondary education is supported by 436 and 486 teachers respectively. These figures do
not include the teachers working in Private Schools. About 27 percent of teachers in primary
schools are female while only 8.5 percent and 4.5 percent teachers are female in lower
secondary and secondary schools. More than 70 percent of the female teachers are hired
By schools through their own resources even in primary schools. The participation of female
teacher in primary education has sharply increased after the government policy to hire at
least one female teacher in each primary school. However, their participation in lower
secondary and higher secondary schools is marginal.
Table 7.15 No of teachers as per their level 2001
Nepal Local Personal
Government Resource Resource
Level Area Male Female Male Female Male Female Total
Prima ry Level Rural 1020 141 11 9 90 42 1313
Urba n 61 71 0 0 199 238 569
Total 1081 212 11 9 289 280 1882
Lower
Secondary Rural 198 7 7 1 26 1 240
Urba n 28 4 0 0 138 26 196
Total 226 11 7 1 164 27 436
Secondary Rural 221 2 14 0 19 3 259
Urba n 43 8 0 0 165 11 227
Total 264 10 14 0 184 14 486
Total 1571 233 32 10 637 321 2804
Source: Nationa l C ensus
As per district education officer more than 60 percent of teachers have attended some kind
of training. Besides, the quality of education has not improved in public schools. The social
composition of teachers shows only a mere presence of Dalit and Janjati in lower secondary
and secondary education. Even in primary schools only 2% and 9% teachers are Dalit and
Janjati respectively.
The school level education is monitored and supervised by 14 resource centers where two
or three resource persons and same number of supervisors are stationed. The local people
complain that supervision is weak despite these resource centers. Each resource center is
providing technical support and supervising 7 to 10 VDCs. The resource centers are spatially
located at different VDCs (Nagrain, Devpura, Janakpur, Belhi, Deuriparbaha, Gidhha,
Khajuri, Chorakoyalpur, Kajra Ramaul, Godar, Kisanpur, Laxmipur Bageba, Naktajhijh and
Bengadawar) to cover up the entire district.
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The teacher school ratio though

Table 7.16 Ratios(T/ S, St/T)
give an impression of adequate Lower
number of teachers at primary, Description Primary Secondary Secondary
lower secondary and secondary Teacher/ School 7.4 7.0 4.7
level, the student teacher ratio Student /Teacher 49.9 40.2 9.1
reveals the fact that each teacher in Student /Female
primary and lower secondary Teacher 187.3 449.7 337.6
schools has to teach 50 and 40 Source: District Education Office
students respectively.
The number of students per female teacher is exceptionally high indicating the need of
inclusive policy to hire more female teachers at least in primary and lower secondary level
education. Some of the secondary and lower secondary schools do not have even a single
female teacher. Similarly a policy has to be implemented to increase the number of Dalit and
Janjati teachers which can be triggering point for improving education level among the
deprived group in the district.
7.1.8 Higher Educati on
The proposed Rajarshi Janak University is in process to be established and will be a

milestone in higher education development in the district in particular and region as large. At
present the higher education is lead by R R B Multiple Campus under Tribhuwan University.
In last one and half decade the district has experienced high growth in the development of
higher education with the establishment of Janakpur Engineering College, Janaki Medical
College, Janakpur Nursing Campus, 6 private general campuses and more than 20 private
higher secondary schools. All technical institute and higher education institutions are located
in the district headquarter, Janakpur. Quality of these educational institutions is still not
established resulting into dependency of majorities of population on Kathmandu for higher
and technical education.
7.1.9 Physi cal Resources and Infrast ruc ture
The district education office records show that most of the primary schools distribute books
to about 70 percent of the students enrolled. Rest of the students share books with their
friends. Similarly all the schools in the district have some kind of drinking water arrangement
(80% tubewell, 20 percent water tank and taps). About 40 percent of schools have separate
toilet facilities for Boys, Girls and Teachers while 20 percent have only for Girls. 18 percent
schools have temporary kinds of toilet facilities while rest 22 percent does not have any
forms of toilet facility. Students and even teachers use open space for the purposes.
Electricity and electrical appliances like fans are available only in 50 schools. About 80
percent of the schools have some kind of health facility and equally number of schools has
play grounds. School wise infrastructure like number of rooms, library, desk, chairs,
computers etc is enlisted in the appendix.
The education development in the district needs very focused and targeted approach to
overcome the cultural hindrances and bring change in attitude especially towards girls
education. A comprehensive package has to be planned and implemented for Dalit and
Janjati to ensure compulsory education up to secondary level. The total enrollment rate has
to be increased to 100 percent and school dropout rate at primary and secondary level
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schools has to be checked. At present the schools are managed by local level institutions
called School Management Committee which is generally run by local level politicians.
Education is the key for all other development and hence should be put at highest priority.
The higher education system should be strengthened with the establishment of the Rajarshi
Janak University and developing a mechanism to ensure higher quality at all level of
education.
7.1.10 Education in Muslim Community
The educational status of the Muslim of Nepal is far lagging behind national average. The
Muslim literacy rate is just 34.72% while national average is 53.7%, and most Muslim man
power is labour oriented with marginal output.
There is access of public primary school in every VDCs of the distinct, but in spite of this
existing provision the Muslim community is out of school. The Muslim claims that these
public schools do not fulfill their educational as well as cultural needs, which is essential for
every Muslim. They perceived education as a multifunctional agent to achieve the both
objective. The Muslim community of Dhanusha district want an integrated course for Muslim
children comprising both mainstream education and cultural education in their community
owned school called Madrasa and demanded to formalize these Madarsas as parallel
system of formal schooling. These Madrasas are running on the basis of community
donation and charitable funding by Muslims only.
They stablished their own community schools attached to the mosque for the education of
their small children. This is the list of Mosque and attached Madrasa which provide basic
Islamic cultural learning.
Table 7.17 List of Mosque, Madarsa and Students

SN VDC Mosque Madrasa No. of SN VDC Mos Madr No. of
Students que asa Student
1. Raghunathpur 1 1 100 2. Nagrayam 1 1 40
3. J adahiya 1 1 50 4. Lagma 1 1 30
5. Parsahi 1 1 40 6. Fulgama 1 1 40
7. Sabaila 1 1 60 8. Kapileswar 1 1 20
9. Bhatiyan 1 1 100 10. Mahuwa 1 1 30
11. Thila 1 1 50 12. Kanakpatti 1 1
13. Simrari 1 1 60 14. Asara 1 1 40
15. Makhnaha 1 1 NA 16. Deuri 1 1 30
17. Sikyaha 1 1 100 18. Bodhi 1 1 50
19. J addukoha 1 1 105 20. Lakhauri 1 1 40
21. Magiba 1 1 40 22. Tarhi 1 1 50
23. Giddha 1 1 30 24. Kharya 1 1 20
25. Dhari 1 1 75 26. Lohana I 1 1 100
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SN VDC Mosque Madrasa No. of SN VDC Mos Madr No. of

Students que asa Student
27. Mad huwa 1 1 90 28. Lohana II 1 1 70
29. Khajuri 1 1 75 30. Dhanusi 1 1 80
31. Chanaha 1 1 80 32. Chanda rpur 1 1 40
33. Mac hi 1 1 40 34. Ramdoyea 1 1 30
35. Morang 1 1 90 36. Mahdoyia 1 1 20
37. Haripur 1 1 70 38. Sap hi 1 1 37
39. Chhawaghari 1 1 80 40. Manindra 1 1 40

Nagar
41. Gangapur 1 1 60 42. Godar 1 1 20
Kerabari
43. Bharatpur 1 1 80 44. Birindra Bazar 1 1 30
45. Ga ngap ur 1 1 30 46. Tarapatti I 1 1 30
47. Kisanpur 1 1 40 48. Tarapatti II 1 1 50
49. Chanda rpur 1 1 60 50. Kac huri 1 1 20
51. Ga uripur 1 1 40 52. Pirari 1 1 25
53. 900 Bigha – I 1 1 50 54. Lado 1 1 30
55. 900 Bigha – II 1 1 30 56. Bela 1 1 15
57. Telhi 1 1 25 58. Kurtha 1 1 20
59. Therabazar 1 1 45 60. Khutta 1 1 40
61. J anakpur I 1 1 100 62. Kalaiya 1 1 100
63. J anakpur II 1 1 140 64. Bharariya 1 1 90
65. J anakpur 1 1 150 66. Rupatitha 1 1 95

J ankinaga r II
Source: Primary Survey 2007
In the above Madrasas only religious teachers were appointed by donation of local
community personals. No government support is provided until now for mainstream subject
teaching. Muslims were bound to teach Islamic education to preserve their cultural identity,
and so the Muslim children are out of school and their literacy rate is lagging behind national
average.
7.2 HEALTH
The health service in the district is lead by the 200 bed Zonal Hospital at Janakpur with 44
medical officers (34 govt and 10 local sources). The hospital has specialists like General
Surgeon, ENT specialist, Anesthetist, Pathologist, Gynecologist (3), Pediatrics (2), General
Physicians (4) and Medical Officers (20). This hospital works as referral for Dhanusha,
Mahotarri, Sirha and Sarlahi districts. Patient from this hospitals are referred to Dharan,
Kathmandu or Patna in India for further treatment if required.
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The health service at village level is provided by sub health post established in each VDCs
of the district and managed by the local government. Each sub health post has one
assistant health worker (AHW) and one Female Community Health Worker (FCHW).
Primary treatments are done here and referred to zonal hospital in Janakpur or to nearest
primary health center. Each electoral constituency has one primary health center and each
region in the district has one health post covering 6 to 8 VDCs.
One medical officer (MBBS) and 2 nurses are providing services at Primary Health Center
while Health Assistant (HA) provides services at Health Posts.
Table 7.18 Health Institution in District

S. Health No Remarks
N Institution/ Health
o Worker
1 No of Hospital
Zonna l Hospital 1 J KR
Ayurved Hospital 1 J KR
Eye Hospital 1 J KR
Leprosy hospital 1 Lalga dh
2 Nursing home 5 J KR
3 Med ical C ollege 1 J KR
4 Nursing C ampus 1
5 Private ANM/AHW 2 J KR
Institute
6 Occupunchar 1 Mahendr
Hospital anagar
7 Primary health 5
Center
8 Hea lth Post 16
9 Sub Health Post 102 VDC s
10 Ayurvedic farmec y 6
11 Pathology 16 J KR
12 Doctors 33
13 Nurses/ ANM 43
14 Hea lth Assistant 18
15 Assistant Health 122
Worker
16 Pop ulation per 20344
Doctor
Source: District Public Health Office
Sub Health Post, health center and health posts are managed by district health facility
management committee. Medicines are provided free with the help of NGO and directorate.
The Public health office is running numerous health awareness campaigns through newly
established FM radios, road shows, theaters, leaflets, posters etc. Campaign against AIDS is
run in the settlements along the national highway with the help of INGOs (HSWO), NRCS,
NGOs (RDF, GWP,NFP, BDS) etc. The focus in this case is on preventive measures.
Similarly, awareness campaign against Polio is run with the help of WHO/IPD covering the
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whole district. Mosquito eradication program is supported by donor agencies for eradication
of Malaria and Kalazar. Dhanusha is one of the Kalazar prone districts in the nation.
The district public health office revealed that about 35% of the married couple in the district
use contraceptive to control birth. Different methods used are outlined in table 7.17.
Table 7.19 Use of Contrac eptive and Family Planning

Condom Dep Norpla Total
s Pills o IUD nt Sterilization CYP
363 130
2071 467 5 4 2420 52884 62781
Number of fertile c ouples using c ontrac eptives per

100 married women of reproductive a ge
Health Institution Densit 3.66
Eye hospital, Leprosy Hospital and Ayurbed hospital provide specialized services to the
people in the region.
20000 populations per doctor and only one hospital in entire district of 670000 populations
reveal the kind of patient pressure on hospital and hospital infrastructure. During monsoon
season or outbreak of certain diseases, the hospital premises becomes full of patients. One
can see patients lying in the corridors of wards of the hospital. Number of nurses is lower
than the doctor results in situation when one nurse has to look after the whole ward of 50
patients resulting in poor quality of services. The infrastructure is also in pathetic shape and
poorly managed. The general cleanliness is also in bad shape. Toilets, water supply and
even electricity are poorly managed in the district. The hospital does have radiology,
pathology and physiotherapy however, it is lacking CT scan, Blood Bank and other hi tech
facilities.
Beside, 5 nursing home and numerous private clinics are providing medical services to
privileged group. People are paying high charges for the same doctor in nursing homes
mainly for cleanliness, sincerity of the doctor, proper care of the patient and soft behavior of
the management. In case of major surgery, emergency and complicated cases, even the
nursing homes refer cases to the zonal hospital.
The record of Zonal Hospital illustrates following facts:
Table 7.20 Patient Flow in the Zonal Hospital

Description 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07
OPD C ases 71367 67718 58862
Emergenc y C ases 15788 16435 18063
In patient C ases 9898 11629 12606
Deliveries 4769 5228 6875
Major Operation 732 768 912
Minor Ope ration 384 468 528
Source : Zona l Hospital J KR
The time series decreasing OPD cases shows that for general treatments people are visiting
the VDC level sub health post and health centre. Similarly, the elite group prefers Nursing
Homes and private medical facilities. However, the increasing emergency and in patient
cases reveals that for complicated diseases and surgery, people depends on the Hospital.
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The number of daily deliveries has increased 13 in 2004/5 to 18 in 2006/7 indicating the
increasing dependency of population in region on the hospital. About 90 percent of the major
operations carried out are cesarean. Other operations are GB Stone, Appendix etc. Besides,
the private nursing homes also perform minor operations and cesareans. Despite high inflow
of patient and 4 districts in its service zone, the hospital is devoid of modern facilities like CT
Scan, Blood Bank, UPS system, Modern Pathology Lab and adequate physical
infrastructures like buildings and wards, maintained premises, adequate toilet facility.
Table 7.21 exhibits the major diseases recorded at zonal hospital in Janakpur. About 22% of
total patient visited hospital in 2005 was suffering from skin diseases while 11% and 10%
was suffering from respiratory related diseases and diarrhea respectively. Cases of diarrhea
become more frequent in monsoon season. Despite the district do not have any
dermatologist.
The table 7.22 indicates the general health condition in the district. The composite index for
health suggests that the district has moderate health facility in comparison with other districts
of nation.
The analysis of general health condition in the district outlines that there is immediate need
for massive awareness campaign for sanitation and safe drinking water and against
Vaccination and Ammonization of children and mothers. Discussion with the health worker in
the district revealed that an AHW in VDC has to attend about 60 to 70 patient in a day and if
strengthened with physical and human resources and medicines, it can enhances majorities
of the health indicators.
Table 7.21 Major Diseases and Percentage of Table 7.22 General Health Cond itio n in t he Distric t
Af fec ted Pop ul ati on 2005
Indicator s Value Unit
Total
Name of Diseases Af fec ted Male Female Malnutrition up 3yrs of age 54.9 %
Skin diseases 21.89 55.56 44.44 Population don't have access to safe
drinking water 18.8 %
Respiratory Related 10.55 53.3 46.7
Diarrhoea/Dysentery 9.94 51.2 48.8 Population Dying before attaining 40
years of age 20.7 %
Ear Infection 7.25 48.05 51.95
Worm and parasitic Population devoid of Proper Health
infection 6.22 52.65 47.35 Care 54 %
Gastritis 4.57 42.88 57.12 Child Mortality Rate per 000 92
Malaria 3.73 58.08 41.92
Per Capita Daily Access to Nutrition in
Eye Diseases 3.61 50.76 49.24 Calorie 2138 Calorie
Bronchitis 2.87 49.06 50.94 Life Expectancy Rate in Yrs 61 Yrs
Typhoid 2.82 52.81 47.19 Maternity Death Rate per 100000
Teeth and Mouth mothers 875
diseases 2.71 44.55 55.45 Total No of Health Worker in District 1591
Stomach ache 2.44 44.26 55.74 Children given Vitamin A 100 %
Blood Anaemic 2.33 27.2 72.8 Child infected with diarrhoea and
Orthopaedic 1.76 61.12 38.88 dysentery 35 %
Malnutrition 1.73 36.92 63.08 Child vaccinated with DPT 96 %
Others 15.57 47.58 52.42 Child vaccinated with BCG 37 %

Child fed with Polio drop 96 %
Total 100
Children suffering from Polio 22057 Nos
Source: District Public Health Office No of Village Clinic 505 Nos
Source: Public health office
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7.3 Sports and Recreatio n
Football and Cricket are the most popular sports in the district. In rural areas, most of the
schools have play ground mainly used playing football. There is no organized effort for the
development of sports at village level. Some times inter school tournament is organized by
schools on their own. More than 90% percent of the schools do not have any sports teacher.
Schools provide football, volley ball and bats and balls for cricket and let students develop
the skill on their own. Sport is perceived as an impediment to education among rural
population. The young population in villages rarely involve in sports. The district sports
council is limited to the district head quarter and facilitates some clubs at Janakpur. The
Rangbhumi popularly know as Barahbigha is the only ground in Janakpur where all kinds of
sports are organized. Similarly an indoor stadium (covered hall) has been constructed for
indoor games.
Recreation in Dhanusha district is an integral part of its culture. Local fairs and dramas
organized by local people on various occasions and festivals are major means of recreation
in the district. Village level ponds are used as swimming pools and even inter school
completions are organized, though rarely. However, cinema theaters at district head quarter
and other emerging towns have emerged as modern recreation centers.
The negative attitude of population towards sports and very limited activities of sports council
along with limited sports facilities are major obstacle for development of sports and hence the
personality development of youth of the district. The sports should be instilled as a part of
academic curriculum and each school should be supplemented with appropriate sports
infrastructure and sports teacher. The school management committee should work with
district sports council, district education office and VDC office to facilitate the development of
sports in rural area.
7.4 Women and Child Development
Women and child development are cross cutting issues and have been analysed under
education, health and other sections. Development level of women and child is poor at
national level and it is even poorer in Dhanusha district. 48 percent of total population in the
district is women while 42 percents are children of age less than 15 years.
Culturally, women development in the district has been put at back sheet. Social traditions
like dowry system, parda system, discrimination against girl child at all levels and general
attitude towards job of a women etc are major impediments of women development in the
district.
The level of women education is far behind than male education. The women literacy in 2001
is just 36% while the male literacy is about 60%. The statistics itself clarify the discrimination
against women prevalent in the district. Even after massive drive for gross enrolment in
education, about 35% girl child remain unenrolled. The dropout percentage at primary, lower
secondary and secondary level reveals that 72 percent of the dropouts are female. The lower
marriage age, the conventional thinking that a girl anyhow, has to serve her husband and
work in kitchen motivates parents to withdraw girl child from school. Similarly lower level of
participation of women in community organization, Politics, Teaching, govt. jobs and other
sectors discourages women education. Lack of role model and opportunity and incentive to
participate are also among the reasons for under development of women.
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The higher maternity death rate, higher infant mortality and high fertility rate shows
inadequate access of child and women to the health facilities. More than 90 percent of
children are vaccinated against epidemic and other disease. The recent data shows that only
76% of children are enrolled in education and rest of them is forced to land into the labour
market. The district though doest not have any published data on child labor, it is believed
that more than 10000 children (11%) are working at house hold level, small industries, local
hotels etc. even after declaring child labour as illegal. There is need to promulgate a
complete package including the incentive to the parents to send the children to schools
rather than work.
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Chapter 8
Institu tion al Resources and Capabilities
The District Development Committee is the governing institution in the district headed by
elected chairman and vice chairman and 17 regional members. The local self governance
act and regulations 1999 has given ample authority and responsibility for planning and
implementation of development projects at local level. The district development committee
needs adequate resources at its disposal in order to bring visible change in quality of life of
the people living in 101 VDCs and 1 Municipality of the district. The local self governance act
1999 has given authority to DDC to explore, generate and expand its resource base and
mobilize it to carry out the development work. In order to carry out the responsibilities
envisaged in the Act, the DDC has to be developed into a competent institution with capable
and efficient human resources and adequate physical resources.
8.1 Financial Resources and Income of District Development Committee
The financial resources of the district can be broadly grouped into two groups’ namely
internal resources covering the internal revenue, local taxes etc and external resources
covering aid and central fund etc.
8.1.1 Internal Resources
The local self governance act and regulation 1999 have authorized DDC to generate
internal taxable and non taxable revenue. The DDC has imposed tax on contracting
aggregate, stone, sand, commercial vehicle, tax on reusable items, contracting raw
skin sales, fishing etc. The non taxable revenue are income from sales of tender
documents, recommendation fee (Citizenship and Passport), License and renewal
fee, theater building permit and hotel permit fee etc.
The details of internal resources generated from different sources in last five years in
the district are enlisted in table 8.1 below:
Table 8.1 Annual Incom e from Intern al Resour ces of DDC Dhanus ha
S. No Description of Income Source 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

Tax Extraction of Sand Aggregate and Stones from other
1 5201000 6267000 5557770 4836444
rivers
Tax on Extraction of Sand Aggregate and Stones from
2 321000 403000 414000 0
Kamla River
3 Tax on Fishing in Kamla river 147431 0 0 0
3576634
Tax on Extraction of Sand Aggregate and Stones from
4 0 202100 0 0
Ratu River
Tax on export of Raw Materials (tobacco, Straw, Pina
5 853888 1317777 1611001 894500
etc)
6 Tax on the export of Animals 296800 0 400000
7 Tax on Vehicle Movement Tax 161750 152000 0 0
8 Tax on collection and export of bones and horns 2000 36000 36101 0
9 Export tax of sand aggregate and stone to India 320162 407727 411000 745315
Permit and renewal tax for GH class contractor and
10 112500 149000 254309 250991
Cinema Theatres
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S. No Description of Income Source 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

11 Recommendation Fee 589474 0
Registration and renewal fee from Small and Cottage
12 32800
industry office
13 Land Tax (25% from VDCs and Municipality) 802011 479527 330141 502510 564570
14 Land Registration fee from Land Revenue Office 6746103 660142 502510 564570
Miscellaneous (Compensation, fine, sale of information,
15 17675 110702 139500 120500 422011
dues etc)
16 Royalty from forest products 0 0 0 364495
17 Last years balance 2333946
Total 17938540 9524833 9413963 8617265 5127785
Source: Annual Audit Reports of Dhanusha District

The internal revenue of the district has decreased over the year even though the
Local Self Governance Act and Regulation 1999 has authorised the DDC to impose
local tax to generate resources. The internal resources base has widened and
favourable rates have been devised through contracting and oxoning, however, due
to maoist conflict, the DDC has not been able to contract the extraction of sand,
gravel and stones. Similary DDC could not collect various export duties and even
land registration fee and royalty from forest product and fishing in rivers.
Figure 8.1 Incomes from Internal Resources in 000
Despite inclusion of Maoists in Parliament and the government, the YCL a sister
youth organization of Maoist are resisting any move of the DDC to mobilize internal
resources. Recently the Terai movement has also added considerable difficulties in
generating resources at local level. If the Terai conflict prologues, the internal
resource base will further shrink. However, if the Terai conflict is resolved and federal
system is instilled as coated in the interim constitution, the resource base will shoot
up tremendously and cross the Nrs 20000000 marks in coming fiscal year.
8.1.2 External Resources (Aid and Government Grants )
The district development committee (DDC) is getting block grants both conditional
and non conditional from the government. The non conditional grant is development
grant while all other grants are conditional covering the administrative grant, VDC
secretaries grant, Government Employee welfare fund etc. The details of these funds
are enlisted in table 8.2. This does not cover the grant coming to the district technical
office and other sectoral offices working for the development of the district. However,
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the integrated budget of the district includes the budget allocated to the district
through all GOs and NGOs.
The budgetary allocation has increased tremendously over the time period to carry
out the responsibilities envisaged in the local self governance act 1999. However, the
share of administrative grant is unchanged to about 40%. After the enactment of
LSGA, the DDC is entitled to get registration fee of land and houses, 10% royalty
from the electricity authority and 10% royalty from the use of forest products and 25%
of land tax collected by different VDCs in the district. Due to conflict, the DDC is not
able to avail 10% royalty from forest product along with tax from various internal
resources.
Table 8.2 Annual Income from External Resources (Aids and Grants) of the
DDC
S. No Descri pti on of Inco me Sour ce 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07
1 Development/Capital Grant 340232 571156 477000 79843875 6300000
2 Administrative Grant 1970392 1970392 1599600 18667719 1970392
3 VDC Secretaries 6962052 6962052 7155000 9332000 9332000
4 Employee Welfare Fund 100000 100000 100000 100000 100000
5 Registration office administration 213270 213270 173438 173438 173438
6 Contingency @2.5% from VDC Grants 1010000 1010000 1010000 1010000 1010000
7 Social Security program 14000000 14000000 14000000 14620875 14620875
8 Bisheshwer with Poor 1091500 3674544 1000000
9 NDVS 247500 220500 157000
10 DFDP 8800000 7117000 9117000
11 Dalit and Social Services 2812500 1038000 1038000
Dalit, Marginalized and Disadvantaged
12 2000000
Program
13 Road board 0 3000000
14 People participation based programs 1970000 2000000 10000000
15 DLGSP 4000000 4000000 22735000 1999000 6750000

16 Poverty Alleviation Fund 815000
17 Last years Balance 4479297 4095000
Total 33075243 32921870 62986538 139796951 66568705
Source: Integrated district development plans

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The table 8.3 gives a glimpse of Table 8.3 Proposed Budget for 2006/07
DDC’s allocation of resources and its S. Allocated
priorities. The proposed budget of No Description of Income Source Budget
Rural Access Improvement
170 million and a mere contribution
1 program 20179999
(8 to 10 Million) of internal resources
2 RCIDP 15650000
indicate its dependency on central
3 DFDP 6414000
grants and allocation. It results in its Indian Embassy Supported
inability to implement numerous 4 Program 83366592
program activities and also limits its 5 Road Board 900000
capability to take up any big projects 6 DLGSP 10905192
which can bring substantial change in 7 Garib Sang Bisheshwer 471000
quality of life of the people. The DDC 8 NDVS 1376800
still depends on sectoral budget and
9 DTMP 1000000
hence central planning and
10 Rural road 1000000
implementation prevails. The 83 Dalit and Disadvantaged
million grants from Indian Embassy 11 group uthaa n 558000
for construction of school buildings is 12 Water Supply and Sanitation 1862509
one time endeavor and may not 13 Agri Road 2382704
continue next year. The majority of 14 Electrification 10000000
the proposed programs are in social 15 Miscellaneous Projects 14700000
development and rural accessibility
Total 170766796
improvement sectors.
Sources: Dhanusha Vikas Darpan 2064
However, maintenance of rural infrastructure is at lower priority indicating pressure to
provide minimum services to all. The resource constraint of DDC (less development
grant and lower capability for mobilization of internal resources) is the root cause of
under development of the district.
Table 8.4 Integrated Bu dget o f DDC in 000
Description of All ocated

S. No 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07
Budget
Agriculture, Forest and
1 236451 32087 49095 26603 30212 22407
Environment Development
Population and Social
2 578059 70467 198738 483218 323041 198613
Development
3 Water Resource Development 25317 63708 156190 32600 57234 54147
4 Infrastructure Development 344761 185705 174655 189601 227145 195137
5 Total 1184588 351967 578678 732022 637635 470304
Source: Integrated district development plans

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Table 8.4 illustrates the integrated district development budget allocation. The table
8.2 and table 8.4 does not show any fix trend mainly because the external grant for
the development projects in the district vary tremendously from year to year. In
2001/02 the education sector is allocated about 280 million for construction of
schools and other physical infrastructure. Similarly 140 million is allocated for
Agriculture Corporation in 2001/02 while in other years it is zero. The segregated
data for all the four sectors mentioned in above table does not give any trend in any
sectors. It shows that the sectoral allocation is guided by problem solving attitude
(crisis planning) rather than long term development vision. Similarly in table 8.5, the
budget of DDC does not show any particular trend, however it has increased over the
time period. This kind of resource allocation could also be the result of Maoist conflict
during this time period as the situation was unpredictable, chaotic and discouraging
for development activities.
Table 8.5 Annual Bu dget of DDC Dhanusha in 000
2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

117871 113489 162655 142901 212145 170766
Source: Integrated District Development Programs
8.2 Resource Mobili zation
The local self governance act and regulation 1999 has authorized DDC to formulate relevant
policy and procedures for effective mobilization of local economic resources to gain financial
autonomy and project DDC responsible to local tax payers by providing necessary services
at local level. The act has empowered the DDC to impose and fix tax rates, service fee etc,
collect internal local revenue and use it for the development of the district.
Accordingly, the DDC has been collecting internal revenue tax from different activities,
however the table 8.1 shows that intern revenue has decreased from 12 million in 2001/02 to
5 million in 2005/06. The major source of internal revenue are the tax from extraction of
sand, aggregate and stone from Kamla, Ratu and other rivers. The other prominent sources
are export duty (on raw materials like tobacco, straw, pina etc), land revenue (25% of land
revenue from VDCs and Municipality), land registration fee and permit and renewal fee for
contractors and theaters.
The DDC is entitled to get certain percentage of revenue collected by the central
government in the district. The data on land registration fee suggests that the DDC is not
getting the land registration fee from land revenue office as it collects more that Nrs 30
million annually.
The other financial resource is the grants and aid coming from the nation and donor
agencies through various NGOs. The government provides conditional and non conditional
DDC grant in social security, agriculture road, water supply and sanitation, RCIW, NDVS,
Rural Access Improvement and decentralization Program, Bisheshwer with poor, targeted
programs fro Dalit and marginalized groups. Besides, DLGSP, DFDP and road board are
supported by UNDP and other donor agencies. Numerous other INGOs and Donor agencies
are working in women empowerment, sanitation, awareness campaign etc through NGOs in
the districts.
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Despite all these efforts the development in the district is far from satisfactory. DDC is not
able to mobilize the internal resources on one hand and it is not given enough financial
autonomy to enhance its resource base. The major problems in resource mobilization are:
Security: the DDC has not been able to contract its internal resources like extraction of sand
and gravel of its rivers, fishing in Kamala and other rivers etc due to continued interference
from Maoist and bad law and order situation.
Resource Base: the act has provided very limited economic autonomy and DDC could not
expand its tax coverage
Exercise of Power: the DDC has not been able to exercise the authority invested by the act
to enhance its internal economic capability
Institutional Structure: the DDC structure has not changed in line with the LSGA. The DDC
still does not have any revenue division and concerned experts.
Co ordination: the DDC has not been able to develop effective co ordination system with
Ministry, VDCs and other institutions to ensure continuous flow of revenue and grant from
these institution.
Government Grant: the government grant is inadequate and conditional treating DDC as
transit point for grants and other budgetary allocation.
Stakeholder Participation: though a revenue advisory committee has been formed, it is not
functional in true sense. The true stakeholders are yet to be identified and their participation
is to be ensured to increase the resource base.
Contracting Process: contracting of revenue collection is not competitive. Contractors come

together and bid to get the contract at lowest rate which against the contract norms and
values. Sometime, violent disputes break out among the contractors.
Others: other problems are general and prevalent in most of the institutions in Nepal. Such
problems are Corruption, unaccountable and incapable civil servants, higher administrative
cost, low priority for capacity building of institution and individual etc
Peaceful law and order situation is pre requisite for the district development. The DDC must
exercise its lawful authorities for exploiting resource within the district. The DDC should be
given full financial autonomy to increase its resource base. A revenue section has to be
created with appropriate physical and human resource to co ordinate revenue collection,
explore new revenue collection venues and provide rationale information to the decision
makers. The government should provide adequate unconditional grant till the district become
financially independent to ensure the resource allocation in priority and lead sector
development. The revenue advisory committee should be represented by stakeholders and
its functional relation with revenue section should be further strengthened. Capacity building
programs have to be implemented at district level to enhance the working capability of
individual in changed context. Clearly defined authorities and responsibility should be
assigned to DDC employee and monitored to enhance accountability, transparency and
hence decrease the corruption and ensure fast and effective service delivery system. The
citizen charter should be displayed and implemented strictly.
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Al ternat iv e Ways of Reso urce Mobi li zati on
Besides depending on the government grant, the DDC has to adopt innovative approach
and technique in raising internal revenue through its development endeavors and bringing
numerous activities under the local tax umbrella of DDC.
Financial Autonomy: The DDC should be given financial autonomy for generating,
controlling and using the local resources and fixing the local levy rate on various activities
within its jurisdiction.
Strengthening of Present Tax Base: The present tax base of contracting sand and gravel
extraction and export to India should be made more transparent and competitive by putting
end to the local contractor’s syndicate. The internal revenue collection system should be
made more vigilant and monitored closely to check any revenue theft.
Utilization of Lo cal Ponds and Rivers : Each VDCs in the district has 2 to 4 ponds under its
jurisdiction and ownership. The Janakpur Municipality has more that 60 ponds under the
ownership of Guthi and municipality. The DDC should work with VDC/Municipality and Guthi
to contract these water bodies for commercial fish farming to Malah and under privileged
community and levy a tax of 10% on such contracts. The present trend shows that each
pond in general generates about Nrs 200000 per annum. More than 300 ponds in the district
will add about Nrs 6 million to DDC coffer. If the tax can be extended to private owned ponds
which numbered more than 500 can add further Nrs 10 millions.
Like Kamla River, Rato and Jalad can also be auctioned for fishing rights.
Forest Products Levy: The DDC in collaboration with the district forest office promote
NTFP and forest based industries and mobilizes the 10% levy effectively. The local
industries like Paper Mill, Plywood industries and furniture industries should be brought
under local taxing system. At present the small units does not pay any tax while the big
industries pay tax to the central governments.
Government Land: The government land within its jurisdiction should be developed and
given on lease through public auctioning for its development and effective use.
DDC Trust Fund: DDC with the help of donors, national government and public debentures
and contributions can establish a Trust Fund. The fund can be invested in international and
national stock markets and business. The earnings of the trust can be used to finance local
development initiatives.
Community Participation: Though it is not a new concept, its contribution is yet to be

visible in district development activities. As per the LSGA and Regulation (financial), the user
groups are to be mobilized in planning and executing of projects less than 2 million costs
and given operation and management responsibilities. In community and village level
infrastructure and other development activities, the experiences of RWSSSP and NISP
should be replicated. Community participation in cash or in kind should be made mandatory.
Selection of people’s project is the key for higher community participation. The project
selection and planning should be done in close consultation with local community to avail
higher level of participation and effecting management and operation after completion of the
project.
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INGOs and Donor’s Assistance: The national economy is donor driven which reflect in
fluctuating government grant to DDC without any particular trend.
Table 8.6 Donors As sist ance (Budget of NGOs) in 000
2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07

8376 48066 158684 53527 48756 NA
Source: Integrated District Development Report
At local level the donors and INGOs assistance is necessary for Social Development Sector
and infrastructure development. Besides, the donor assistance also comes through the
government assistance in various line agencies like education, health, infrastructure and
agricultural developments. The annual budget of NGOs working in the district has increased
from 8 millions in 2001 to 49 millions in 2005/06 indicating an increasing trend though it is
not predictable.
The donor’s assistances need to be coordinated and streamlined for optimum benefits of the
society. The image of NGOs are not clean and people look at NGOs suspiciously as the
planning and implementation of program is expert driven with minimum participation of local
people. NGOs are more successful in awareness campaign and empowering programs than
infrastructure development projects. NGOs should closer to people, transparent and
motivated with social services and volunteerism.
The DDC needs to mobilize the NGOs in coordinated way.
Private Sector: Private sectors are active in investing economic and social sector
infrastructure mainly in education, health, hotel, services and industries. However in rural
area, presence of private sector is invisible. The recent forecast of ILO indicates than
Dhanusha is getting more than 1 billion as remittance. If a proper policy is devised private
investors and general people can invest in tourism, trade and commerce, industries and
other services. Though the government has approved the concept of BOOT (build own
operate and transfer), BOT and BOO for the private sector to invest in infrastructure
construction, the district is yet to see such involvement.
Public Priv ate Partnership: The public private partnership could be used as a tool to avail
the public fund for infrastructure construction and management like Bus Park, Market
Centers, and Community centers. The concept has been used by other district and can be
replicated here very successfully.
Cooperatives: Some cooperatives are working in dairy and agriculture and banking sector,
however this concept is still to be used in infrastructure and housing development. This
concept can be used in poverty reduction sectors
8.3 Instituti onal Development
District Development Council is the main governing institution at district level constituted as
per clause 172 of the Local Self Governance Act 1999. The numbers of district council
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member vary from district to district. In Dhanusha district, the district council is comprised of
239 members as outlined below:
Chairman and Deputy Chairman of each VDCs 204

Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Municipalities 2
Members of DDCs 21
Member of Parliament (both Lower and Upper house) 6
6 persons nominated by District Council 6
However, at present the elected bodies are not in place in VDCs and DDCs and are run by
the public servants. District council is a supervisory and advisory body entitled to provide
broad governing framework under which DDC will plan, design and execute different
development activities in the district. The major functions, duties and powers of the district
council, enlisted in clause 188 of LSG 1999 are as below:
• To pass the budget, plans and program submitted by the District Development
Committee.
• To adopt the resolution relating to taxes, charges, fees, tariff, loans and borrowings and
internal resources submitted by the DDC.
• To evaluate the programmes relating to the District plan operated by the DDC and give
necessary direction.
• To hold discussion on the audit reports of the DDC and give necessary directions to the
DDC for settlement of irregular amounts.
• To approve the District level subject wise programmes to be operated in the district.
• To approve the bye laws of the DDC.
• To evaluate the administrative function of DDC and give necessary directives to DDC.
• To grant approval as required on the remuneration, number of positions, allowances and
other facilities of the employees as proposed by the DDC.
• To decide on the sale and disposal, transfer of, or letting on hire, the property of the
DDC.
• To delegate some of the powers conferred on it to the DDC.
District Council can form account committee and other subject committee to keep an eye on
different development and administrative initiatives of the DDC.
District Development Committee is the executive arm of the district council formed as per the
provisions in the article 176 of the LSGA 1999. In Dhanunsha the DDC is comprised of 27
members described as below:
• Members elected by the elected members of the village and municipal councils in each
are of the district from amongst themselves at the rate of one member from each area 17
Nos
• President and Vice president elected by the elected members of village and municipal
councils ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------2 Nos.
• Members of the house of representatives and the national assembly within the district
(Ex officio members) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Nos
• Two members including one woman nominated by the DDC from amongst the members
of the district council. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Nos
The DDC is autonomous and corporate body with authorities and responsibilities to carry out
the directives and decisions of the district council. The DDC is empowered through article
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189 of LSGA 1999 to formulate and execute policies, plans and programs relating to
Agriculture and Livestock, Rural Drinking Water and Habitation Development, Hydropower,
Works and Transport, Land Reforms and Land Management, Development of Women and
Helpless People, Forest and Environment, Education and Sports, Wages and Labours,
Irrigation, Soil Conservation and River Control, Information and Communication, Language
and Culture, Cottage Industries, Health Services, Tourism and other development related
activities.
The government deputed civil servant known as Local Development Officer acts as member
secretary of the DDC to implement, and cause to be implemented, the decisions of the
District Development Committee under the supervision of the President.
8.3.1 Struc ture of DDC
The District Development Committee has been given authorities and responsibilities
to formulated district level development policies, plans and projects and implement
those policies and plans for the overall development of the district. To execute those
obligation, Dhanusha district has a an established comprehensive organization under
the chairmanship of the DDC president named as the Office of the District
Development Committee. The organizational structure of the Office of the DDC is
presented in Figure 8.3
At present 53 people are working in the DDC to carry out its basic functions. The
organization structure presented shows the direct and indirect lines of
responsiveness and accountability. All the committees are formed under the
chairmanship of president or vice president or member of the elected member of the
DDC. These committees provide guidelines, directive and advices in their respective
sectors which are implemented and executed by the local development officer
through its various sections and sub section. The organization for the core team is
very comprehensive and impressive however, it has not been implemented fully,
mainly due to absence of elected local government. About 50 personnel are working
in the core team.
The District Technical Office, working under direct supervision of SDE and supported
by 3 engineers and 6 overseers is responsible for physical infrastructure plan,
projects and their implementation. Eighteen people are working in this office including
ten technical personnel.
Besides each specific program has its own sets of human and physical resources,
however they coordinate with the DDC through relevant program officers.
Rural Community Infrastructure Work Program (98 VDC): RCIW Program is

supported by DFID and other donor agency for the implementation of small
infrastructure development projects and village level through community mobilization
using the concepts of food for works. The program is run under direct supervision of
a RCIW Engineer. The office is comprised of 3 overseers, 5 other support staffs.
Local Development Fund: The program is run under direct supervision of LDF
secretary assisted by five social mobilizers, a saving and credit mobilizer, an
overseer and five support staffs. The program is involved in economic development
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through formation of group, savings and capacity building programs. Social

organizers are key for implementation of the program.
B P with Poor Program (10 VDCs): This program is coordinated by an office assistant
at district level while ten social mobilizers are working in ten VDCs. This program is
also operating with the concept of social mobilization for the economic development
of downtrodden population in the district.
Dalit Social Development Program (6 VDCs): This program is implemented through

the concept of volunteerism supported by NDVS. Volunteers from NDVS mainly the
nurses are working in rural VDCs mainly in Dalit community to enhance health
awareness and provide services.
Besides, there are others program like Small Enterprise Development Program
(SEDP), Decentralized Financial Development Program (DFDP), Decentralized Local
Governance Support Program (DLGSP) funded by UNDP and other donor agencies.
Each such program has its own personnel however, they work under overall
supervision and directives of DDC
8.3.2 Human Resources of DDC
Capable and motivated Human resource is the key for efficient service delivery and
anticipated development achievement of the organization. Human resource in the
Dhanusha DDC is comprised of 6 personnel including LDO, Planning and
Administration Officer and Account Officer from the Nepal Government while 41
staffs including program officers are hired by the DDC itself. This is a core team
basically meant to plan, budget and implement various projects funded internal
resources and direct donor assistance to the DDC. The core team is responsible for
coordination, supervision and monitoring of different programs being implemented by
donors directly or through local counterparts, employees and NGOs. Though the
number personnel seems to be adequate, their capability in handling the
development activities envisaged under the LSGA is far from satisfactory. A clear
responsibility and authorities with self evaluating criteria is either non existent or very
sketchy in each sections except account. Except the specific program offices, other
sections of DDC do not have any clear annual working schedule. The academic
qualifications of the employees are very encouraging and adequate however the
training and workshop attended seems very confusing. Every body has attended all
kinds of workshops limiting them to develop a particular type of expertise. Working
attitude and environment are other factors for poor quality of service delivery.
Motivation levels of the employees are vey low as they are not participated in
decision making process in general and there is no mechanism of rewards and
punishments. It reduces the accountability and responsiveness among the
employees.
District technical office under DDC is equipped with trained staff to carry out
infrastructure development and technical issues in the district. However, the
overseers working in the DTO needs some refreshment trainings and new
technologies like AutoCAD. The dual loyalty of technical staff to the ministry and
DDC effect their efficiency and attitude. Though decentralization has been accepted
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in principle, ministry and central level institution implement the projects and programs
directly which otherwise are to be done at local level. It affects the motivation level.
The program specific employees are trained and skilled in specific sectors and they
are motivated with better benefits and salary structures. However, the poor
coordination with the DDC staff and little know how about the local condition may
affect their working efficiencies.
One of the vital tasks for the DDC is to mobilize internal resources, however, the
DDC does not have any resource mobilization officer. The overloaded account officer
is looking after the resource mobilization in the district.
8.3.3 Physi cal Resources of DDC
The District Development Committee does have a 28 rooms double storey office
constructed in 12400 square meter of land, however, space available to host such a
huge number of officials and service seekers is inadequate and gives an impression
of unorganized office space people wandering from here to there in search of
particular officer. The office furniture are adequate however some of them
replacement and maintenance. Computers, printers, photocopiers are only in few
numbers ie computer 4nos, Printer 4 nos and Photocopiers 1 nos etc. The office is
not up to date with new technologies like networking of workstations, internet, web
sites etc affecting the quality of the service provided.
8.4 Observations
8.4.1 Organizational Struc tur e and Management:
Structure: The organizational structure is to be adopted fully to accomplish the

responsibilities entrusted to the DDC and to establish it as local government in true
sense. Participatory approach has to be adopted for outlining different functions and
services the DDC is executing and accordingly these functions should be assigned to
the corresponding sections and subsections. Revenue generation is at present a sub
section of financial administration. As it is one of the most important aspects on
which all other development activities and even empowerment of local governance
depends, and hence resource mobilization should be given a status of section in the
organization directly under the LDO which will work in close coordination with finance
administration and other sections of DDC.
Work Plan: Each section and personnel should develop her/his working schedule
quarterly, and at the end they should be evaluated by their achievement of work plan.
Participation in Decision Making: A monthly meeting of staffs should be organized

regularly to disseminate the information and decision of DDC for its implementation.
The relevant feedback from the staff meeting should be forwarded to DDC through
LDO.
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8.4.2 Financial Management
Budgeting: Budget should be prepared by each section in close consultation with

their stakeholders. It should be then discussed in subject committee and finally in the
budget preparation committee before submitting it to the DDC and District Council.
The administrative cost should be confined within 25% in general.
Inventory of all capital, mobile and fixed assets with their existing condition and
where about should prepared kept and optimally used.
Internal and external audit should be done annually and report should be place in the
district council.
8.4.3 Planning, Coordination and Monitoring and Evaluation
Periodic Planning: A long term perspective plan setting the vision and periodic goal
with directive principles, programs and plans, has to be prepared to guide the
development of the district in long term.
Participatory Approach: Participatory approach has to be adopted in planning

coordination and monitoring and evaluation processes.
Coordination: Activities of NGOs should be coordinated to achieve the target

indicator set in periodic and annual plan. Different donor agencies and INGOs should
be coordinated for support in targeted and district priority projects.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The activities and process both should be monitored as
per the pre defined working schedule and target achievements.
8.4.4 Information and Communication
Resource center should be strengthened by collecting, preserving and publishing

numerous reports, books, data and information.
Internet and web page: The DDC should own its own website and publish all
necessary information on internet.
The citizen charter should be published, revised as per necessity and provide
services as per the citizen charter.
The complaints should be collected from complaint box, internet email, Telephone
and should be resolved immediately.
8.4.5 Physi cal Resources
Adequate working space with necessary furniture, computer and other accessories
should be provided to the employee. The office premises should maintained clean
with conducive environment
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8.4.6 Recruitm ent and Capacit y Development
The employees should be segregated in core and project staff. The core staff should
be permanent while others on project basis.
The employee should be given some kind of training compatible to her/his work. The
capability of the employees should enhanced.
Madhesi, women, Dalit and locals should be given reservation/priority in district level
job.
Inter employee coordination should be assured through various meetings seminar

and workshops etc. They should support each other in achieving the target
indicators.
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District Profile of Dhanusha

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OFFICE OF THE DISTRICTDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,