In yet another order following Monday’s landmark ruling banning the Chhaupadi custom, the Supreme Court has decreed launching of awareness programmes to abolish caste discrimination in the western development region. The so-called high class residents have so far barred the Dalits from using public water systems like spouts and traditional wells citing caste hierarchy as the reason. It is also a common practice in this and other parts of the country to bar Dalits from entering a place of worship. In fact, preventing these people by the self-styled high class from entering a cave shrine at Bhola Gaun in Baitadi which the Dalits had themselves discovered exemplifies the degree of discrimination being perpetuated in the name of tradition. By asking different wings of the government to do something to abolish discrimination, the apex court has upheld the principle that all humans are created equal. There can be no disagreement over this universal truth which implies that everybody should be treated equal. Although a change in the people’s attitude is the ultimate solution, the government can still act until the mindset changes.

Nepal’s constitution clearly guarantees the citizens’ right to equality. That includes the right to fetch water from a spout, a public well or entering a temple at will and without any let and hindrance. Devising a discriminatory policy on personal lines to safeguard someone’s vested interests amounts to trampling other people’s rights. The discrimination prevailing in western Nepal is no different. However, there is a discrepancy in what is being defined on paper and what is being practiced. Not all people in Nepal have enjoyed the freedom in the true sense of the term. For example, abortion was legalised in Nepal almost three years ago but women are yet to fully enjoy that freedom. Some of them have been forced to spend days behind bars in the absence of concrete by-laws. Although easier said than done, the government must strive to end all discriminatory practices

in the country as it is even more important given

the fact that Nepal is a signatory to a slew of international conventions on human rights. Awareness campaigns and education drives are crucial in enlightening the masses about the futility of persisting with obsolete practices.