KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the incumbent government was proactive for the rights and interests of the indigenous people as guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal.

Inaugurating a special meet organized by the Federation of Nepalis Democratic Indigenous Nationalities here today (Monday) on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the PM stated that the government was doing plenty of things for the greater good of the indigenous nationalities.

“The Constitution of Nepal has the provision for the establishment of a separate commission for the development and prosperity of indigenous nationalities. The government has been working for the protection of their ethnic identity, language and culture by establishing the National Foundation of Development of Indigenous Nationalities,” the PM said.

On the occasion, PM Deuba underscored the need for a collaborative effort to bring them in the mainstream of the state after the identification of indigenous nationalities. The PM was of the view that the contributions made by the indigenous nationalities for the nation’s development and prosperity should be respected by effectively implementing the policy of inclusion in all levels and layers of the state.

Likewise, PM Deuba pledged to extend support in every efforts carried out by the Federation for the development of indigenous nationalities for the assurance of their rights.

Saying that indigenous nationalities have played crucial role in Nepal’s democratic movement along with the establishment of Nepali Congress, PM Deuba recalled Nepali Congress leader late Ganeshman Singh saying that the latter also belonging to the indigenous community earned international reputations.