KATHMANDU: Despite long-standing advocacy for an inclusive and equitable society, Dalit communities in Nepal continue to suffer from deeply entrenched social discrimination.
Although the Constitution and related legislation guarantee rights to Dalits, justice remains largely out of reach.
It has been 14 years since the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offense and Punishment) Act, 2011, came into force. However, incidents of caste-based discrimination and untouchability have not subsided.
According to the Samata Foundation, during this period, 17 Dalit individuals have lost their lives due to inter-caste marriages and other forms of caste-based violence and social exclusion.
The victims include: Rajesh Nepali (Parbat), Rupmati Kumari Das (Morang), Nawaraj BK (Jajarkot), Manbire Sunar (Kalikot), Shiva Shankar Das (Saptari), Sete Damai (Dailekh), Jhuma BK (Taplejung), Sangita Pariyar (Tanahun), Ashmita Sarki (Jhapa), Laxmi Pariyar (Kavre), Ajit Mijar (Kavre), Shreya Sunar (Kaski), Mana Sarki (Kalikot), Ditiya Reshma Rasaili (Dhanusha), Maya BK (Kailali), Tikaram Nepali (Rukum), and Angira Pasi (Rupandehi).
Samata Foundation Chairperson Dr. Madan Pariyar stated that while the Act provides for fines and jail terms for offenders, many cases are not taken forward for legal action. He noted that law enforcement authorities often ignore the Act and instead push for reconciliation, undermining the justice process.
Dr. Pariyar further emphasized that numerous inter-caste couples have been displaced due to threats and violence.
Parshuram Ramtel, a leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), stressed the urgent need for the state to implement the law effectively.
“Nepal has adopted a federal democratic republic system, but social justice has yet to be realized,” he said.
Ramtel added that the Dalit community, which constitutes about 14 percent of the population, continues to face systemic injustice and exclusion.
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