KATHMANDU, Feb 23: The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Police Headquarters to establish a "Dalit Desk" to assist and facilitate the investigation of incidents involving discrimination, exploitation, and untouchability against Dalits, and to appoint a contact person.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary Ramchandra Tiwari, said that the ministry had sent the correspondence to initiate the establishment of the Dalit Desk at the Police Headquarters. He also mentioned that the ministry had instructed officials to operate and manage the existing Dalit Desks, which has been set up in 77 districts, more effectively.
Spokesperson Tiwari said, "The Ministry issued a circular to establish a Dalit Desk with the participation of members from the Dalit community, aiming to eliminate untouchability and discrimination, which are prevalent as social evils, and to contribute to the implementation of laws and the promotion of good governance." He added, "We have instructed the police personnel assigned to the desk to operate and manage it in a more coordinated and effective manner."
A few days ago, during a meeting with officials from the Joint Political Dalit Struggle Committee, who visited the Ministry of Home Affairs to meet Minister Ramesh Lekhak, stated that the Police Headquarters would establish a Dalit Desk to address issues of caste discrimination and untouchability.