Demand for Dalit Bill’s Passage Sparks Protest at Chief Minister’s Office

Demanding the passage of the Dalit Empowerment Bill, Dalit rights activists, under the leadership of the Unified Movement for Dalit Rights Nepal, staged a strike at the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers’ office on December 17.
After six years, the Dalit Bill has still not been passed, leading to the strike, as stated by Gambhir Singh Bhul, the leader of the Unified Movement for Dalit Rights. ‘With the formation of the provincial government, dozens of laws and regulations were passed. However, in a province where Dalits make up 29% of the population, the Dalit Bill has been stalled for six years. He asked, why has that bill not been passed? We need an answer. He further stated that they will continue their struggle until the Dalit Bill is passed in a meaningful way. He urged the government to ensure the rights and entitlements of Dalits as per the constitutional provisions. Despite holding talks with Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel, Bhul mentioned that no formal agreement had been reached.
During the discussions, Chief Minister Kandel expressed his commitment that the Dalit Empowerment Bill presented in the Karnali Provincial Assembly would be passed soon. He mentioned that since taking leadership of the provincial government, the bill has been under discussion in the subject committee of the provincial assembly. He added that the subject committee is working on discussing the proposed issues in the bill, which should have been passed in the previous term, and is working towards reaching a conclusion. He also stated that the government is providing the necessary facilitation to the committee.
He mentioned that he is aware that the committee is working to submit the report to the Provincial Assembly as soon as possible. He further stated that if any issues arise that need to be raised, coordination with the committee should be done. Chief Minister Kandel also mentioned that during the previous term of the Provincial Assembly, the Dalit Empowerment Bill was not even tabled and was returned, but assured that such an incident would not happen this time. He further stated that after the government itself registered the bill, it is the responsibility of the Provincial Assembly to pass it. While acknowledging that it might take some time, Chief Minister Kandel emphasized that the government’s full attention would be directed towards getting the bill passed.
Chief Minister Kandel mentioned that special attention has been given by the provincial government for the rights, welfare, and upliftment of the Dalit community, and stated that 5 million rupees have been allocated for implementation this year. However, Dalit rights activists have taken a firm stance, stating that they will continue their protests, including the strike, until the government signs a written agreement.