Dalits-‘untouchables’ have had to face discrimination for centuries. Not only have they not been allowed to enter temples, but also been barred from meeting people of the upper castes.

“Unless legal provisions are formed to support the vows made to the Dalits, the government cannot ensure that the wishes of the commission will be respected,” said Rishi Babu Pariyar, member of the National Assembly, adding “Just forming a Commission does not guarantee that people are going to get their due rights.”

Prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had issued the declaration of the formation of a Dalit Commission on August 16, 2001. “Since then, a National Dalit Commission has been in formation, but apart from that, not much real work has been done,” said advocate Ratna Bahadur Bagchand.

The eight point declaration addresses issues like stamping out the system of ‘untouchables’, providing equal opportunities for this deprived group and allowing them to enter all religious and public places the same as other ordinary citizens. “Discrimination against Dalits in this day and age reveals an ongoing prevalence of superstition within Nepali society,” said Daman Nath Dhungana, former speaker of the House of Representatives and senior Constitution expert, adding “Unless the State itself makes an initiative, the situation is not likely to improve.”

A two-day programme for central level workshop on ‘The way of execution of Prime Minister’s declaration about Dalit upliftment’ commenced here on Friday. “The liberation of Dalits is a step towards fostering the creation of the requisite social capital for development synergy,” stated a statement issued by Dr Alfred Diebold, resident representative of Friedric Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nepal, who was unable to participate in the seminar. “Only when reform initiatives in education and social opportunities are consolidated, their increased representation in ward assemblies, village development committees and municipalities become meaningful.”

The programme will have 10 paper presentations, which are like ‘medical prescriptions’, where the presenters will discuss the case history of the problems faced by the Dalits and ‘diagnose’ new issues not previously mentioned in the declaration, suggesting ‘medicines’ for the treatment.

“Education, knowledge and advocacy are the right means to bring about social reforms of any kind,” said Narayan Prasad Saud, state minister of education and sports. “Thus, the government should focus on formulating plans based on changing the mindset of the people.”

“An environment of suspicion and doubt about the government’s commitment in providing the Dalits their due rights, in itself is a negative sign,” said Hrishikesh Gautam, minister at the prime minister’s office. “We should focus on formulating new plans that will aid the overall development of the country, giving Dalits their due position in society.”