The Nepal government's decision to stop its Gorkhas from joining India's Gorkha regiments under the Agnipath scheme has significantly impacted khukuri suppliers, particularly in Uttarakhand as reported by TOI. There are about 32,000 Gorkhas, both Nepal-domiciled and Indian, serving in the Gorkha Brigade, with nearly 60% being from Nepal. These soldiers carry the khukuri as a service weapon. Due to Nepal's decision, there has been no recruitment of Gorkhas from Nepal for the past four years.
This has adversely affected the khukuri-making industry. A supplier from Garhi Cantonment in Dehradun reported that their business has declined by 50-60%. "Earlier, our annual supply was nearly 5,000, but it has now come down by more than half. As recruitment in the Gorkha Brigade and our supply are inter-related, it was no surprise that our business got impacted," the supplier explained.
Vikas Raj Thapa, who operates a khukuri business, noted that although their business suffered, they managed to offset some losses through greater social media awareness. "Due to social media, people now know that we are makers of this blade, which is synonymous with Gorkha culture. People have been calling us for blunt ones to keep in their temples and homes as a showpiece. Without this interest shown by the public, our business would have been affected even more," he said.
Thapa mentioned that when his father ran the business, they had around 20 workers, but this number has now decreased to eight. "Business is down, and skilled workers are hard to come by," he added.
Retired Colonel Jiwan Kumar Chhetri, a Gorkha officer who served in Rajputana Rifles, commented on the issue. "Recruitment of Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas in Gorkha Brigade is more of an economic issue for Nepal as it supports their GDP and gives employment to their youth. In India, it is a strategic issue as Gorkhas need no introduction when it comes to valour and courage. Having said that, Indian govt is working to address the issue by focusing on recruitment of Indian Gorkhas from areas like North Bengal and Uttarakhand. We are hoping that a viable solution would soon be worked out."
This has adversely affected the khukuri-making industry. A supplier from Garhi Cantonment in Dehradun reported that their business has declined by 50-60%. "Earlier, our annual supply was nearly 5,000, but it has now come down by more than half. As recruitment in the Gorkha Brigade and our supply are inter-related, it was no surprise that our business got impacted," the supplier explained.
Vikas Raj Thapa, who operates a khukuri business, noted that although their business suffered, they managed to offset some losses through greater social media awareness. "Due to social media, people now know that we are makers of this blade, which is synonymous with Gorkha culture. People have been calling us for blunt ones to keep in their temples and homes as a showpiece. Without this interest shown by the public, our business would have been affected even more," he said.
Thapa mentioned that when his father ran the business, they had around 20 workers, but this number has now decreased to eight. "Business is down, and skilled workers are hard to come by," he added.
Retired Colonel Jiwan Kumar Chhetri, a Gorkha officer who served in Rajputana Rifles, commented on the issue. "Recruitment of Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas in Gorkha Brigade is more of an economic issue for Nepal as it supports their GDP and gives employment to their youth. In India, it is a strategic issue as Gorkhas need no introduction when it comes to valour and courage. Having said that, Indian govt is working to address the issue by focusing on recruitment of Indian Gorkhas from areas like North Bengal and Uttarakhand. We are hoping that a viable solution would soon be worked out."
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