Kathmandu, October 14

Minister of Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma has sought unity among Dalits to institutionalise achievements of the Dalit community so far.

Inaugurating a two-day international summit on ‘The role of Nepali migrants in the elimination of caste-based discrimination’ here today, the minister insisted on the implementation of Dalit rights enshrined by the constitution. He went on to say that the constitution had guaranteed almost all rights to Dalits, but their enforcement remained a challenge, stressing the need of unity among the Dalit community at home and abroad. He also said there was need to stage a struggle towards that end.

He spoke of the need to systematise and modernise Dalit occupations to make them international.

Similarly, Nepali Congress central member Man Bahadur Bishwakarma said unity among Dalit women, Dalit, Madhesi, indigenous community and all the oppressed communities was needed to bring their rights ensured by the constitution into practice. Expressing concern about what he called increasing cases of caste-based discrimination and untouchability, the leader said the government was not serious about this.

Nepal Communist Party leader Tilak Pariyar said the latest Public Service Commission’s vacancy announcements had posed a challenge in the implementation of the constitution.”

Lawmakers Laxmi Pariyar, and former minister Jitu Gautam, Socialist Party Secretary Durga Sob demanded equal participation of Dalits in every state apparatus in real terms.

The event was organised with the support of several organisations including North American Society for Oppressed Community, USA, and the Global Forum Against Caste-based Discrimination.

Dalit rights activists Bishnu Maya Pariyar and Nirmala Bishwakarma will give their paper presentations on the issues of rights of Dalit, the present situation and future course of action in the summit.