KATHMANDU: Members of Parliament (MPs) speaking in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) urged the government to take stern action against caste-based discrimination, particularly targeting the Dalit community.
Speaking during the ‘Emergency Hour’ of the meeting, the MPs also drew the government’s attention to a range of pressing national concerns, including landlessness, inflation, and development-related issues.
Airng her views, Nita Ghatani highlighted the discrimination faced by Dalits in various spheres of society, especially in securing rental housing.
Ghatani cited a sit-in protest staged by Deepa Nepali at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu under the slogan “Is there no room for us, government?”, saying the protest reflected the harsh realities of caste-based exclusion in society.
“The issue is not merely about housing; it represents the longstanding discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization imposed on the Dalit community for generations,” Ghatani said.
“It also raises a serious question about why equality and dignity for Dalits are still not fully guaranteed in the state,” she added.
Although the Constitution of Nepal guarantees equality, social justice, Dalit rights, and declares the country free from untouchability, she lamented that implementation in practice remains weak.
She went on to cite instances of caste-based discrimination, including the case of Kiran BK, a postgraduate student who was allegedly evicted after his landlord learned of his caste, forcing him to return to his home in Sudurpaschim Province.
She also mentioned the case of Niraj Bishwokarma, who reportedly had to change rented rooms as many as 40 times due to being a Dalit.
The parliamentarian noted that even educated members of the Dalit community continue to face such injustices in housing, education, employment, and public life.
Amid these incidents, she urged the government to adopt practical measures to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
She also emphasized the need to protect human rights, noting that Dalit rights are recognized under the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
During the same meeting, other lawmakers also raised various contemporary national concerns.
Bishnumaya BK highlighted the hardships faced by landless squatters living in holding centers and said their concerns must be addressed seriously.
Demanding education for children staying in holding centres, she argued, “The government’s policy should focus not on chasing away the poor, but on eliminating poverty.”
Another parliamentarian, Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, called for thorough investigations and strict action against those found responsible for abetting suicides reported in different parts of the country.
Likewise, Kshitij Thebe demanded that the government clarify its official position on the Pathibhara cable car project, saying the issue had drawn national attention beyond Taplejung district.
“The government has verbally stated that the project work has been halted, but what is its official stance? Will the project move forward or be stopped?” he questioned.
Similarly, during the ‘Special Time’ session of the House of Representatives, lawmakers drew the government’s attention to various pressing public issues.
Shreeram Neupane said no development or construction is possible without energy and urged the immediate enactment and implementation of the “Sunset Act.”
Bhumika Subba stated that the President Women Empowerment Programme should not be excluded from the government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dhan Bahadur Budha demanded that Dolpa be made fully digital and internet-accessible.
Saraswati Lama said the public is suffering from inflation and urged the government to take social responsibility to ease their burden.
KP Khanal praised the government’s efforts to remove squatters from polluted river areas and provide them with a dignified and organized living environment.
Prakash Chandra Pariyar said that not only prosperity but equitable prosperity is necessary.
Taking part in the special time on a party basis, MPs Anand Chand, Devraj Pathak, Yagya Bahadur Bogati, Ambika Devi Sangroula, Bishnu Bahadur Khadka, and Sulabh Kharel also expressed their views.
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