The Lumbini Provincial Assembly has unanimously passed a bill, along with its report, aimed at making provisions related to the rights of the Dalit community.
During the 14th meeting of the seventh session of the Provincial Assembly held on April 21, Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar announced that the bill had been passed unanimously. The proposal, presented by Minister for Social Development Janmajay Timilsina, to deliberate and pass the bill concerning Dalit rights was endorsed unanimously by the Assembly. Following the passage of the bill, Minister Timilsina stated that it has laid an important foundation for the practical implementation of the Dalit community’s rights.
The passed bill includes provisions to ensure inclusive representation of Dalits at all levels of the state. It is expected to enhance the participation of the Dalit community in policy-making as well as implementation. The bill emphasizes establishing equitable access for the Dalit community to economic resources, means, and opportunities, thereby advancing the concept of social justice in practice. It also aims to support the overall development of the Dalit community through the protection, promotion, and empowerment of their social, political, and economic rights.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to arrange housing for Dalit individuals or families, and to provide hostel facilities for economically disadvantaged Dalit students pursuing higher education. It also ensures priority for Dalit students in hostels of government, private, and community schools and universities across the province.
Similarly, in the health sector, the bill mentions that economically disadvantaged Dalit citizens suffering from serious and complex illnesses will be provided free treatment by the provincial government as prescribed, based on recommendations from local authorities. It also ensures subsidies, discounts, and concessional loans for technical equipment, tools, and raw materials to preserve, develop, and modernize traditional occupations of the Dalit community. Furthermore, it highlights the need to eliminate unlawful practices such as caste-based untouchability and discrimination that persist in society.