KATHMANDU: Dalit leaders and rights activists have said that the preliminary draft of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 was not Dalit-friendly.

Apart from prohibiting racial discrimination and untouchability and ensuring equal rights, the demand of the Dalit community for proportional representation in the executive, judiciary and legislative was not addressed, they said.

CPN-UML leader Ganesh BK said though the interim constitution had provided separate rights for the Dalit community, the preliminary draft released on Tuesday does not mention any special rights.

Likewise, UCPN-Maoist leader Anita Pariyar said that the new constitution should guarantee empowerment, representation and participation of the Dalit community in public service and other employment sectors.