Comparative Study of Socio-economic Conditions of Craftsmen in Kathmandu Valley after Earthquake 2015

Abstract

The project we carried out was titled “Comparative study of the socio-economic conditions of craftsmen in Kathmandu Valley after 2015 earthquake” which highlighted the status of craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley. Between the month of July and August, we carried out the investigation in Kathmandu Valley which included the major destination for Nepalese architecture and crafts. The main aim of this project was to explore the importance of craftsmen in the restoration and reconstruction process along with the effects of the Earthquake in their own socio-economic lives. With this research project we wanted to compare the socio-economic condition of craftsmen before and after the earthquake. We obtained both quantitative and qualitative data through face-to- face interviews. After the study, we got the result that the socioeconomic condition of the craftsmen declined after earthquake 2015. Despite of increase in demand of the work, their condition worsened because of the financial crisis which involved many other factors than earthquake itself. The other factors contributing to the mourning are politics in the restoration projects, Nepal blockade by India and crisis of manpower in the field.