Dalits deserve privilege with reparation: PM Prachanda

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Mar 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has vowed to announce a special programme targeting the Dalit community during his tenure.

PM Prachanda made the pledge addressing a ceremony organized here to mark the 58^th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

He said no one but he can address the demands and issues of the Dalit community at the present situation and then made commitment to announce such a programme that the oppressed community will remember him for centuries to come.

"Just now, Prashuram ji put forth some 20-points as the demands. I think, if I dare to do that at this time, I do not mean any other time, it can go ahead. I have not seen that others can do it. Therefore, on this historic day, I would like to declare in front of you all that I will announce something during my tenure so that the Dalit remember for centuries. Let me share with you this commitment and my resolve," PM Prachanda said.

The Prime Minister said that government was clear about the need of the state and its organs to be responsible for the rights and welfare of the Dalit community.

He said that state should ensure privilege with reparation to the Dalit community for their development and progress.

Foundation of the political, economic, social and cultural equality can be laid only with the process for positive discrimination, he said, the government is committed to play its role for this.

Prime Minister Prachanda, also Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center), made it clear that the constitutional and legal rights as enshrined in the constitution and enjoyed by the Dalits were the results of the People's War.