Naya Nepal Naya Blog

Despite laws in place to protect the rights of Dalits, a large number of them are still deprived of several fundamental civil liberties. Various steps taken by the government to abolish this inequity have proved failure as these oppressions are still observed in various parts of the country. Dalits’ freedom is impossible unless the acts of discrimination are criminalised by the state, experts say.

Addressing a programme here on Friday, UNDP Programme Officer and rights activist Tek Tamrakar stressed the need for free, fair and meaningful leadership to end discrimination against Dalits. “Reservations for Dalits and minorities are addressed in the constitution. However, they have not been implemented,” he said. “Reservations should be sensibly practised in order to provide opportunities to these repressed groups.”

Praising Dalits’ contribution to music and literature, experts said formation of a new Nepali identity is impossible without addressing their concerns. “Dalits have made enormous contributions to Nepal,” said Archaeologist Prakash Darnal.