Despite constitutional and social measures to do away with the caste-based discrimination, Nepali society has not yet got rid of this evil that has hindered the overall progress and prosperity of the country. The practice of untouchability is blot on our society known for its tolerance, harmony and syncretic culture. In 1963, Nepal had abolished and criminalised the caste-based discrimination but it has not gone away as it is deeply rooted in tradition and people’s thinking and practice. A false sense of superiority of one’s own ethnicity, ignorance, superstition, poverty and social injustice have been largely attributed to the prevalence of caste-based discrimination. Seen from broader lens, the caste-based discrimination is not only unscientific and anti-progressive but is also full of contradictions. Those who endured caste-based discrimination have been known for their skill-based occupation. They have immensely contributed to producing commodities for all castes and ethnicities for centuries. Their goods and services are socially acceptable but they are not acceptable or not recognised for their role in the society. This is a big paradox.

Realising the gravity of the problem, Nepal’s new constitution, in its Article 24, states that no person shall be subjected to any form of untouchability or discrimination in any private and public places on grounds of his or her origin, caste, tribe, community and profession. The people hailing from the so-called Dalit community should not be discriminated in private and public places. The statute has termed the act of untouchability and discrimination as a severe social offence and those involved in such activities are subject to legal punishment. Likewise, it has forbidden any act that projects any person or community as superior or inferior on grounds of origin, caste, tribe or physical condition. No doubt, the secular and inclusive constitution has been milestone in promoting Dalits’ enhanced access to decision-making, participation and opportunities in state bodies.

Following the three-tier election held in 2017, Dalit representation has remarkably increased in federal, provincial and local governments. Altogether 19 members of House of Representatives are from Dalit community. This community has sent nine representatives to the National Assembly and occupies seven per cent seats in provincial assemblies. There is increased presence of Dalit members in the local bodies. Given the size of their population, this is not satisfactory representation in the three-tier legislatures. During a two-day national convention ‘Ensuring Dalit Rights and the Role of Local Representatives,’ the local representatives from the Dalit community realised that they needed to do more in order to end the discrimination meted out to their community. The convention issued a 15-point declaration paper and submitted to the government.

While accepting the declaration paper, Minister for Home Affairs Bal Krishna Khand said that the government was committed to implementing constitutional provision made on ending caste-based discrimination into practice, according to the news report of this daily. As the minister said, it is people’s misconception that has reinforced the caste-based bias and exploitation in the society. It is the duty of the state to guarantee the citizens’ right to live and work in an atmosphere where no one is ill-treated. It has been the long tradition of Nepali society to recognise different cultures, castes and religion. There is no reason for Dalits to suffer and to be deprived of their basic rights to live with dignity and peace.