Indian labourers creating problems, traders complain

BANGLABANDHA, NOV 10 -

Nepali traders involved in Nepal-Bangladesh trade have complained Indian labourers are delaying loading and unloading of goods by making “unfair” demands.

The traders said the Indian labourers are demanding twice the original wage.

A few days ago, Nepali importer Dilip Timilsina had ordered 12 trucks of potatoes from Bangaldesh.

However, the shipment has been stuck at the border due to the noncooperation from the labourers.

As a result he has been forced to pay a detention charge of IRs 2,000 per truck to Indian authorities. “Besides, there is a risk that potatoes may decay,” he complained, asking the government to take initiative to settle the issue with the Indian government. He said although the Indian labourers easily do the task of Indian trade rs, but they seek more money from Nepali traders.

Mohan Niraula, president of Mechi Customs Agents Association, said the Indian labourers’ unnecessary demand has emerged as a big problem in Nepal-Bangladesh trade . “Their behaviour has created a complexity in trade with Bangladesh. They are sometimes not ready to do the job even when offered higher wage,” Niraula said, adding the Nepal Transit and Warehouse Company has also not taken the issue seriously.

Bimala Acharya, a member Purbanchal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Bangladeshi customs officials start work only after 12:00, which is another hurdle.

However, Yadav Shiwakoti, head of Nepal Transit Warehouse Company, said there is a shortage of labourers. “Indian labourers are not creating problems,” he claimed. “The problem is the business volume is increasing, but the number of labourers is same.”

The Kakadbhitta-Fulbari-Banglabanda trade route came into the operation in 1997. India has also been using the route for the last two years.

Source: The Kathmandu Post