KATHMANDU: Leaders of the Dalit movement and representatives from various political parties have urged the government to immediately draft and enact an integrated law to implement Article 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of Dalits.
Speaking at an event organized by the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) on Saturday, they expressed concern that although the Constitution mandated the enactment of such laws within three years, even after ten years no comprehensive legislation has been formulated.
Nepali Congress leader and former minister Min Bishwakarma stressed that the drafting process must involve broad discussions among Dalit leaders, lawmakers, civil society, and experts.
Similarly, Member of Parliament and former state minister Sushila Shripali Thakuri said cooperation among all political parties is essential, adding that issues affecting Dalit women should be prioritized in the new law.
Durga Sob, vice-chair of the Nepal Socialist Party (Naya Shakti), called it unacceptable that provisions under Article 40 had been ignored for a decade. She emphasized that political parties have failed to show seriousness towards uplifting Dalits, who have been historically marginalized, and said further delay in enacting the law cannot be justified.
Other lawmakers, including Ganendra Baraily, Harkamaya Bishwakarma, National Assembly member Padam Pariyar, and FEDO General Secretary Renu Sijapati, stressed that the law must address the concerns of Dalit women as well as Madhesi Dalits.
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