Two siraha families suffering under ‘meter‑interest’ have been staging a sit‑in at Maitighar Mandala for 8 days (with photos)

Kathmandu – Two families from Siraha district have been staging a sit‑in at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu for eight days, identifying themselves as victims of “meter interest” (compounding interest) schemes.

The two families—of Kashyām Bishwakarma from Lahan‑7 and Sita Kumari Mandal from Lahan‑3—took small loans from local moneylenders to fund their homes and job opportunities. Those loans have now transformed into crushing financial burdens, prompting them to come to Kathmandu in pursuit of justice.

• Kashyām Bishwakarma says he borrowed NPR 500,000 but has already paid back NPR 2.1 million. Despite this, the moneylender is demanding another NPR 5 million, he reports.

• Sita Mandal borrowed NPR 500,000, has paid NPR 900,000, but claims the lender is pressuring her for an outstanding NPR 1.27 million.

They’ve presented their case to the “Meter Interest Victims’ Struggle Committee,” but received no response, which forced them to bring their protest to Kathmandu.

For the past two days, the families—along with their small children—have held placards at Maitighar Mandala. One reads:

“The sooner my parents get justice, the sooner I can go home and school.”

They complain that no official response or intervention has been forthcoming from the government. They appeal to the State to deliver immediate justice and relieve them of the burden of meter interest.

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