KATHMANDU, AUGUST 8

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the incumbent government is committed to ensuring the rights and interests of indigenous people as guaranteed by the constitution.

Inaugurating a special meet organised by the Federation of Nepali Democratic Indigenous Nationalities here today on the occasion of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the PM stated that the government was doing plenty of things for the greater good of indigenous nationalities. 'The constitution of Nepal has a 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 mainstream them after 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. During the programme, PM Deuba also recalled the vital contributions made by this community in the nation building process since the time of unification of Nepal till date and expressed his confidence that this day would make vital contributions for the promotion of welfare of the indigenous nationalities and advancement of mutual goodwill, cooperation and unity.

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

A version of this article appears in the print on August 9, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.