MAKWANPUR, Jan 5: The National Dalit Commission, Bagmati Province, submitted its report for the fiscal year 2080/81BS to Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota. Spokesperson Sundar Purkuti presented the report to Province Chief Devkota, fulfilling the requirements of Article 294 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal.
The commission prepared and submitted a report with seven chapters and six schedules. The report highlights the commission's introduction, provisions for Dalits' rights and interests, the condition of Dalits and their representation in state bodies, the implementation status of the commission's annual programs, its recommendations and suggestions along with their implementation progress, opportunities and challenges faced, and its future course of action.
The report traces the origin of untouchability and caste-based discrimination in Nepal and details the legal provisions established to eradicate it. It emphasizes international laws against caste-based discrimination and untouchability, outlines Dalit rights and interests enshrined in Nepal’s Constitution and laws, explains the Act to End Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability, highlights state efforts through legislation, details Dalit-related provisions in other laws, showcases the government’s notable declarations to end caste-based discrimination, and describes programs designed for Dalit communities.
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Spokesperson Purkuti stated that the report highlights the government's policies and commitments to end all forms of caste-based discrimination, malpractices, superstitions, crimes, exclusion, deprivation, and violence through the Constitution, acts, and laws. It emphasizes the government's efforts to ensure a dignified life for all by addressing these issues constitutionally and legally.
Purkuti highlighted that the National Census 2078 BS provides details on the Dalit community's numerical status, the hardships they face due to lack of access to financial institutions, and their lag in the human development index, annual income, education, health, and sanitation sectors.
The Constitution of Nepal abolishes untouchability and all forms of discrimination, guaranteeing equality, prosperity, and social justice. It also ensures the representation of the Dalit community in all state structures based on the principle of proportional inclusion. Article 24 of the Constitution grants the right to the Dalit community and protects them against discrimination, while Article 40 ensures the rights of Dalits. To implement the provisions of Article 24, the government has enacted the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offenses and Punishments) Act, 2068 BS.
Additionally, parliament declared Nepal an untouchability-free nation. The government also made various commitments regarding human rights. However, Purkuti pointed out that the federal, provincial, and local governments lack the necessary policies, laws, strategic plans, programs, and budget to implement these provisions.
Although the commission submitted its first annual report on October 28, 2021, the second on December 11, 2022, and the third on March 6, 2024, Spokesperson Purkuti stated that these reports have been ignored. He expressed hope that the government would address this issue. According to the National Census 2078 BS, Bagmati Province's total population of 6,116,866 includes 359,511 Dalits. While receiving the report, Province Chief Devkota said he would encourage the government to implement positive actions on Dalit issues.
