MP Rajani Shrestha highlights low wages of Himalayan porters in Parliament

Kathmandu—Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Rajani Shrestha has raised the issue of porters working in the Himalayan districts in Parliament.

In Wednesday’s parliamentary session, she highlighted the plight of porters in the Everest and Annapurna regions who are suffering due to low wages.

She pointed out that although the daily wage is 1,800 rupees, a single meal costs between 1,100 and 1,300 rupees, making it difficult for them to afford even two meals a day.

Due to low wages, porters are sustaining their families mainly on tips from tourists, she informed Parliament. “No one understands the hardship of porters in the Himalayan regions. They earn only 1,800 rupees a day, while a meal costs between 1,100 and 1,300 rupees. This amount is not enough even for food,” she said. “They are supporting their families on tips. The tourism board should be held accountable.”