FNCCI VP Vaidya emphasises inclusion of care work in national economy

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Vice President (Industry Commerce) Sur Krishna Vaidya emphasised the importance of including care work in the national economy.

Vaidya made this statement during the inauguration of a three-day training session organised by FNCCI in Birgunj Metropolitan City for employers in Madhes Province, focusing on the 'relevance of care economy in the private sector.' He was the chief guest at the event.

In his address, Vaidya highlighted that the training aims to educate employers about care work, its economic contributions, and to gather suggestions for a care manual. He noted that while remittances from those working abroad in care professions are included in the economy, domestic care work is not. He emphasised that both the government and the private sector, along with other stakeholders, are responsible for recognising and accounting for care work in the informal sector. Vaidya also mentioned plans to organise similar training programmes in Madhes, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s 'Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal' project.

Oxana Lipcanu, Technical Expert on Inclusive Growth at ILO Nepal, clarified that the project title 'Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal' not only focuses on women and children but also promotes the labour market and business. FNCCI central member and Trade Committee Chairperson Subodh Kumar Gupta noted that while Birgunj Metropolis is clean, street vendors, particularly women, are not protected, which affects their livelihoods.

FNCCI central member and Agro Enterprise Centre Chairperson DB Basnet added that the recognition of care work should begin at home.

The training programme was inaugurated under the chairmanship of FNCCI Madhes Province President Ashok Kumar Temani. He welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of labour protection programmes alongside such initiatives. FNCCI Assistant Director Hari Paudel and ILO Nepal National Project Coordinator Kripa Basnyat also highlighted the programme's objectives.

Approximately 65 participants from district and municipal chambers of commerce and industry, the Labour Employment Office, and Birgunj Metropolis attended the event.

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