Thousands of child labourers are being used in numerous brick kilns scattered across the district. 

The majority of the total of 62 brick kilns in the district is found to be using child labourers, inspections carried out by the District Child Welfare Committee and various non-governmental organizations revealed. 

The ongoing effort to declare the district free of child labour by 2017 stands in stark contrast to the high number of child workers toiling for daily livelihood in brick factories. 

Inod Tamang, 14, from Ramechhap has been working in the Saraswoti Mata Brick Kiln since mid December last year. 

Tamang's works include overturning the bricks inside the kiln, arranging them in bundles and carrying large buckets of soil. He also makes bricks with his parents at the factory. 

Eight-year-old, Puja Khatri, who works at the same brick kiln, said her works include overturning the bricks and drying them out in the sun. "I don't know how much I earn, I work and my father receives the money," Puja said. 

Manish Tamang, 11, and another eight-year-old, Anil Tamang, from Ratamatey area of Jhangajholi of Sindhuli and working at Mahamanjushree brick kiln spend their days flipping over the bricks. 

Santalal Tamang, who works in these factories, shared that children are helping their parents. "Most of the children come with their parents, some help with making the bricks and others flip over the bricks and arrange them in bundles," he said. 

The children are even brought to the factories by 'Naike' which is translated as a leader. A Naike will receive commission for bringing a worker for the brick kiln. When they bring children they gain more commission. 

The brick factory owners and such Naikes have also taught the children to lie about their age. The children brought by Naike usually say they are above 16 years of age. 

Women Development Official, Nila Ghimire, said action will be taken if children below 16 years of age are made to work in brick kilns. 

The District Child Welfare Committee has already declared seven brick kilns child labour free but an estimated 10,000 children are still working in other brick kilns, it is learnt. RSS