The Gandaki Provincial Assembly has passed an important Act to ensure the rights of the Dalit community. The Act, titled “Bill on Dalit Rights and Empowerment”, was unanimously endorsed by the Provincial Assembly in its session on Monday. The bill had been sent to the Social Development and Agriculture Committee for discussion on 28 March 2025. After being unanimously passed by the committee, it was tabled in the assembly on Monday by Minister for Social Development, Youth, and Sports, Bindu Kumar Thapa, for endorsement.
According to Minister Thapa, this bill stands as an exemplary legal practice in the province. He described it as a historic legal document for ensuring the rights and empowerment of the Dalit community. Minister Thapa stated that the bill places special emphasis on provisions to end caste-based discrimination. Likewise, it also includes a provision to appoint as Executive Vice-Chairperson those who have completed a bachelor’s degree and worked in the field of Dalit rights for 10 years. The Act incorporates measures related to health, education, employment, social security, and preservation of traditional skills of the Dalit community. According to Thapa, this Act will provide a legal foundation for addressing the long-standing issues faced by the Dalit community. He also mentioned that the Act allows for amendments over time as needed.
Commenting on the bill, Provincial Assembly member Dilliram Subedi said that this step is remarkable. According to him, it should prioritize not only the physical aspect but also the social dimension equally. He remarked that this Act would serve as a major campaign for the political, cultural, and social transformation of the Dalit community.
Similarly, Province Assembly Member Rajkumari Bhujel highlighted that 18.2% of the population in Gandaki Province belongs to the Dalit community. She expressed confidence that the Act would take concrete steps toward their empowerment. Bhujel also stressed that collective effort is essential to implement the Act in practice.
Province Assembly Member Haribahadur Bhandari stated that the Dalit community has long faced problems due to the absence of a proper legal framework. He said that with this Act, a legal doorway has now opened to ensure the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Province Assembly Member Bindu Paudel mentioned that there are about 450,000 Dalits in Gandaki Province. According to her, the bill will be effective in ensuring access to education, health, employment, and social justice. She also called for special provisions such as scholarships and hostels for Dalit children, as well as measures to curb child marriage.
Province Assembly Member Tika Kumari Basyal remarked on 1 September that it was a historic moment for Gandaki Province. She stated that a legal doorway has now opened for the Dalit community, who have endured centuries of suffering. According to her, the provision giving priority to the Executive Vice-Chairperson is a strong aspect of the bill. She further remarked that this Act has moved the Dalit community’s struggle for equality closer to victory.
Likewise, Province Assembly Member Yashoda Rimal stated that although the Act has been passed, the most important aspect lies in its implementation. According to her, simply passing the Act is not enough; the implementation side must be strengthened. She expressed confidence that this Act would be effective in bringing Nepal’s Constitution into practice.
Province Assembly Member Dilmaya Pauwi stated that the bill honors the six Dalit members in the Gandaki Provincial Assembly. According to her, the government must now ensure that the bill is implemented in practice and not just remain a paper document. She emphasized that a society becomes strong only when marginalized groups are empowered, and therefore, the bill must be fully implemented. She expressed confidence that the bill will serve as a cornerstone for creating equal opportunities.
The bill provides a legal guarantee to end caste-based discrimination. It includes provisions to expand access to education and employment. The Act also emphasizes giving special priority to health and social security. Additionally, the Act provides for scholarships and hostels for children, measures to prevent violence against women and children, and restrictions on child marriage. It also includes provisions to protect and promote traditional skills and occupations.