Dalit bill stuck in Karnali Assembly for five years

By Lait Basel,Surkhet, Dec. 23: Karnali Province, home to the largest population of Dalits, is yet to pass the Dalit Bill drafted in 2019 to promote their rights and development. Despite its preparation, the bill has faced repeated delays, often failing to be presented in the Provincial Assembly or getting stuck in the committee in the name of discussions.

The Ministry of Social Development in Karnali Province initially drafted the bill to ensure the rights, empowerment, and development of the Dalit community. However, progress has been slow. While the bill has reached the subject committee, it remains stuck, with reports that three amendments were made. However, the bill has not yet been finalised or forwarded for approval.

The subject committee has been criticised for delaying the initiative to begin the process for its discussion and a smooth passage from the Provincial Assembly.  

Now, Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel has stressed the need for timely passage of the bill, urging the government to avoid further delays and prioritise the bill.

Certain provisions in the bill have sparked objections and disagreements, particularly regarding duties and rights that conflict with federal laws and the responsibilities of the Dalit Community Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Committee. 

Additionally, provisions addressing caste-based and social discrimination, in line with the Discrimination and Punishment Act of 2011, required further revision, prompting the bill’s return to the ministry.

 Balbir Sunar from the Ministry of Social Development noted that while there were minor disagreements over some aspects, the absence of the necessary committee for implementation has significantly delayed progress. He added that without the committee, many of the bill's provisions cannot be practically implemented.

In Karnali, where approximately 29 per cent of the population is Dalit, the delay in passing the bill has drawn criticism. It has already been five years since the bill was drafted.

 Activists and social organisations have urged the government to act, with some even staging protests in front of the Chief Minister’s office. Manju Sunar, President of the Dalit Women’s Association in Surkhet, expressed her frustration, highlighting that the bill's prolonged delay is holding back the development of the Dalit community. She called on the Provincial Government and public representatives to pass the bill promptly, emphasising that further delays would continue to hinder progress of Dalits in the region.