Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 17:

The newly-appointed team of the National Dalit Commission (NDC) has unveiled an ambitious three-point programme to fight the centuries-old evil practices of untouchability and social discrimination. Addressing an interaction with media persons, organised by the NDC here today, the organisation’s president, Bhagwat Biswasi Nepali, said that a national committee would be formed to root out untouchability. He said that a joint Dalit campaign will also be organised to free the society from such evil practices. “Privilege identity cards would be issued and reservation in all the government organisations will help combat the evil,” he said.

“The NDC is also planning to provide Rs 5 lakh for inter-caste couples along with free higher education for two of their children,” he added. Nepali said that the committee would also include representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, National Women’s Commission, legal experts, litterateurs, and activists fighting for Dalits’ rights. “It is not just the problem of Dalits but of all the citizens, therefore, everybody should work together to get rid of this evil,” he said. He said the joint Dalit campaign would organise communal feasts in different parts of the country. In addition, kitchen programmes would be held with the leadership of government officials, intellectuals and the public.

“I am even ready to marry a Badi woman,” said president Nepali, adding that the Dalit community members should take bold steps to bring changes in the society. The NDC member secretary, Hari Gandhari, said the new team has decided not to focus on foreign visits but to visit the affected areas to feel the severity of the problem and find ways to combat it.