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Yasodhara Rural Municipality
Office of the Village Executive
Baidauli, Kapilvastu
Lumbini Province, Nepal

Vacancy Announcement
(Third Publication)

Date: 2082.02.08
Letter No.: 2081/82

Position: Psychosocial Counselor (Level 5)

Number of Vacancies: 1 (Female)
Advertisement No.: 11/081.082

Required Qualifications:

1. Education:

• Health Assistant or Staff Nurse from a recognized institution OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Health Education from a recognized university.
• Additional Requirement: Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling.

1. Preference Given to Candidates With:

• 6-month psychosocial counseling training certification from the National Health Training Center.
• Prior work experience in the same field.
• Women candidates meeting the criteria.

1. Other Requirements:

• Not disqualified for government service as per prevailing laws.
• Proficient in basic computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Fluency in Nepali and English (written and spoken).

Work Duration:

Initially until the end of June 2082, extendable based on program needs and performance evaluation.

Selection Process:

• Written Exam
• Interview
• Practical Test

Examination Fee:

NPR 700/- (Seven Hundred Only)

Salary & Benefits:

As per program rules.

Required Documents:

• Copy of Nepali Citizenship Certificate
• Copies of Academic Certificates
• Work Experience Certificates (if applicable)
• Passport-sized Photograph

Application Deadline:

2082.02.14 (within office hours). If the deadline falls on a public holiday, submissions will be accepted on the next working day.

Submission Address:

Yasodhara Rural Municipality Office, Baidauli, Kapilvastu.

Additional Notes:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Positive discrimination policies apply for women, Dalits, indigenous groups, Madhesi, and minorities.
• Late applications will not be considered.

Website: www.yasodharamun.gov.np
Email: info@yasodharamun.gov.np

Chief Administrative Officer
Yasodhara Rural Municipality

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Yasodhara Rural Municipality: A Profile of Cultural and Historical Significance

Introduction

Yasodhara Rural Municipality, located in the Kapilvastu District of Lumbini Province, Nepal, is a region of immense cultural, historical, and demographic diversity. Named after Yasodhara, the wife of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), this municipality holds a special place in the historical and religious landscape of Nepal. Geographically positioned in the mid-southern part of Kapilvastu, it shares borders with neighboring rural and urban municipalities while also touching the international boundary with India.

This rural municipality is predominantly inhabited by the Madhesi community, along with a mix of Brahmin, Muslim, Kurmi Yadav, Pasi, Kalwar, Chamar, Mallah, Dhobi, Gupta, and other ethnic groups. The region was formed by merging several former village development committees (VDCs), including Titirikhi, Gauri Basantpur, Parasohiya, Baidauli, Rangpur, Somdih, and Sihokhor, creating a unified administrative unit with Baidauli as its headquarters.

With a total area of 67.75 square kilometers and a population of 45,165, Yasodhara Rural Municipality is not only an administrative hub but also a significant cultural and religious destination. Its proximity to key Buddhist pilgrimage sites, such as Kudan (Lumbini’s Lorik Kudan), and historical landmarks like Sisanhiya Kot, makes it an area of great interest for historians, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

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Geographical and Administrative Overview

Location and Borders

Yasodhara Rural Municipality is strategically located in the southern plains of Nepal, within the fertile Terai region. Its geographical boundaries are as follows:

• East: Mayadevi Rural Municipality
• West: Maharajgunj Municipality
• North: Kapilvastu Municipality
• South: India (international border)

The municipality’s central location in Kapilvastu makes it an important junction for trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange between Nepal and India.

Formation and Demographics

Yasodhara Rural Municipality was established after the restructuring of local governance in Nepal, merging seven former VDCs:

1. Titirikhi
2. Gauri Basantpur
3. Parasohiya
4. Baidauli (Headquarters)
5. Rangpur
6. Somdih
7. Sihokhor

The municipality spans 67.75 square kilometers and has a population of 45,165, with a diverse mix of ethnic communities. The Madhesi community forms the majority, but other groups such as Brahmins, Muslims, Yadavs, Dalits (Chamar, Pasi, Dhobi), and indigenous Tharus also reside here.

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Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

Major Ethnic Groups

1. Madhesi Community: The largest demographic group, primarily engaged in agriculture and trade.
2. Brahmin & Chhetri: Traditionally involved in religious and administrative roles.
3. Muslims: A significant minority, contributing to local commerce and craftsmanship.
4. Kurmi Yadav: An agrarian community with strong cultural traditions.
5. Dalit Communities (Chamar, Pasi, Dhobi, Mallah): Historically marginalized but increasingly active in social and political movements.
6. Tharu & Other Indigenous Groups: Though smaller in number, they preserve unique cultural practices.

Languages and Traditions

• Primary Languages: Nepali, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Tharu, and Urdu.
• Religious Practices: Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism coexist harmoniously.
• Festivals: Major celebrations include Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Eid, and Buddha Jayanti.

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Historical and Religious Significance

1. Kudan (Lorik Kudan) – A Sacred Buddhist Site

One of the most significant landmarks in Yasodhara Rural Municipality is Kudan, also known as Lorik Kudan, located in the northern part of the region. This site holds immense religious importance for Buddhists worldwide due to its association with Lord Buddha’s life.

• Historical Context: According to Buddhist scriptures, after attaining enlightenment, Buddha visited Kapilvastu, his childhood kingdom. Here, he reunited with his father, King Suddhodhana, and his former wife, Yasodhara.
• The Stupa: A stupa was built in Kudan to commemorate Buddha’s visit, making it a key pilgrimage site.
• Tourism & Pilgrimage: Every year, thousands of Buddhist pilgrims visit Kudan, contributing to local religious tourism.

2. Sisanhiya Kot – An Archaeological Treasure

Located in the eastern part of Yasodhara Rural Municipality, Sisanhiya Kot is an ancient fort with historical significance.

• Mythological Connection: Some historians link it to the Shakya dynasty, the clan of Buddha.
• Archaeological Potential: Excavations could reveal more about ancient Kapilvastu’s civilization.

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Economic Activities and Development

1. Agriculture – The Backbone of the Economy

• Major Crops: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, lentils, and vegetables.
• Irrigation: Relies on tube wells, canals, and seasonal rainfall.
• Challenges: Flooding, lack of modern farming techniques, and market access issues.

2. Trade and Commerce

• Cross-Border Trade: Due to its proximity to India, informal trade (especially in food grains and daily essentials) is common.
• Local Markets: Baidauli serves as a commercial hub for nearby villages.

3. Infrastructure and Development

• Road Connectivity: Linked to major highways, but rural roads need improvement.
• Education & Health: Several schools and health posts exist, but quality services are limited.
• Electricity & Internet: Expanding, but some areas still lack reliable access.

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Tourism Potential

1. Religious Tourism

• Kudan Stupa: Can be developed as a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
• Yasodhara’s Legacy: Promoting her story could attract gender-focused cultural tourism.

2. Eco-Tourism & Rural Tourism

• Farm Stays: Visitors can experience traditional farming lifestyles.
• Cultural Festivals: Promoting local festivals could boost tourism.

3. Challenges in Tourism Development

• Lack of proper infrastructure (hotels, transport, guides).
• Limited awareness internationally.

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Yasodhara Rural Municipality is a microcosm of Nepal’s diversity, blending history, religion, and multiculturalism. With its strategic location, rich Buddhist heritage, and agricultural potential, it holds promise for sustainable development. However, challenges like infrastructure gaps and economic constraints must be addressed.

By leveraging its historical sites (Kudan, Sisanhiya Kot), cultural diversity, and agricultural strengths, Yasodhara can emerge as a key destination for pilgrimage, heritage tourism, and rural development in Lumbini Province.

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