Govt, Dalit leaders ink four-pt deal

KATHMANDU, May 26: The agitating Joint Political Dalit Struggle Committee (JPDSC), an alliance of Dalit activists and lawmakers belonging to seven different political parties, and the government signed a four-point deal on addressing Dalits´ concerns in the new constitution.



During a meeting held between the two sides at the peace and reconstruction ministry on Saturday, it has been agreed that untouchability will be mentioned as a heinous crime in the preamble of the new constitution, Parshuram Ramtel, one of the seven Dalit leaders engaged in the talks, said



Likewise, the government talks team led by the peace minister has agreed to address the issues raised by Dalits such as regarding employment and education by incorporating them in government´s fiscal policies and programs, Ramtel informed.



A day earlier, representatives of JPDSC had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to press for their demand. The committee had put forth a 10-point demand, including formation of a national Dalit commission, and other constitutional provisions related to criteria and punishment for caste discrimination and untouchability.

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