Returnee migrant worker makes good income through coal production

KASKI: Dhan Bahadur Pun of Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 in Kaski, a returnee migrant worker from South Korea, now runs a coal factory in his hometown. The 46–year-old returnee migrant has been in this occupation for the past four years. Now he earns a net profit of Rs 60,000 from the coal factory. Pun said he has twined skills he learnt in South Korea with modern technology to ensure that his business meets the operation standard. “In Korea, I worked in coal industry and I am using that skill and experience back home.” He established the factory in 2075 BS when all of a sudden Covid 19 pandemic hit socio-economic life on a larger scale. He said he was upset indeed, but did not lose hope as he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The business is making a recovery since last April-May. He now produces two quintals of coal on a daily basis.  There is no market issue for production as demand is high.  He is planning to extend his business by adding three more charcoal kilns and making them five. He said he is ever ready to transfer his skills to the interested. Pun has been producing up to two quintals of coal in recent days and making an income of more than Rs 60,000 a month by selling coal. He has employed three workers. "The income crosses Rs 100,000. But since I have to hire workers and pay them, I save over Rs 60,000 a month," Pun said. The villagers are also happy with his efforts, hard work and use of skills he learned abroad. "It's a matter of pride for our village that a factory is run in the locality by a local youth who has returned home from abroad. The factory has provided employment to locals. It has also inspired other youths to start enterprises and work, staying in home country itself," said Santosh Subedi, a teacher at the Siddha Basic School. Pun shared that his coal factory is doing well, business-wise, due to the support of the villagers and his own efforts. He has two production plants and said he exports the coal to various cities including Pokhara and Kathmandu. "All the coal is sold out from the factory itself. There's no shortage of market. In recent days I am finding it hard to even meet the soaring demand," an exuberant Pun said, adding that he plans to add three more plants for that. He plans to save more than Rs 100 thousand a month by selling coal. By RSS READ ALSO:

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