All News

The Haliya Liberation Federation, Dadeldhura, submitted a six-point memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli through the Chief District Officer on September 6, commemorating the 16th Freed Haliya Emancipation Day. The memorandum urges the restoration of Haliyas, noting that the issue remains unresolved even after 16 years since the government’s declaration of the end of the Haliya system. Bharat Sarki, Chairperson of the Haliya Liberation Federation, pointed out that the five-point agreement made between Haliya representatives and the government on September 5, 2008, has not been fully implemented. Sarki emphasized that both the Rastriya Mukta Haliya Samaj Federation-Nepal and the Government of Nepal have struggled to work in accordance with the spirit of the five-point agreement and 10-point recommendations, leaving the declaration of Haliya liberation incomplete.

As the rehabilitation period extends, issues related to proper management, education, health, employment, income generation, livelihood, social empowerment, and inclusion of the freed Haliyas are being overlooked. The memorandum states that there is a growing concern that the government is neglecting rehabilitation efforts. It states that, despite six years having passed since the federal government delegated the responsibility for completing the remaining rehabilitation work to the local levels, these local authorities have been unable to effectively carry out the rehabilitation of freed Haliyas. To effectively manage the freed Haliyas, the federal, provincial, and local governments need to coordinate and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program. This should include assessing the conditions of the remaining Haliyas who need rehabilitation, collecting data, verifying their status, and distributing identity cards.

According to the financial estimates provided by the Government of Nepal, it is crucial for the federal government to expedite the verification of remaining Haliyas, issue them identity cards, and complete the rehabilitation process for households that are still pending. The federal government must coordinate with financial authorities to ensure that this work is completed promptly. Additionally, necessary programs should be developed and implemented to eliminate caste discrimination and untouchability within the Haliya community. Immediate relief, rescue, and proper management for freed Haliya families affected by floods and landslides are also essential. The memorandum further emphasizes that steps should be taken to fully implement the five-point agreement and the ten-point recommendations established by the government working group and the Rastriya Mukta Haliya Samaj Federation-Nepal on September 5, 2008. The allocated funds for the rehabilitation of freed Haliyas in the district remain unused each year, with only 2,267 out of 2,551 households receiving the rehabilitation package from the Government of Nepal. Acting Chief District Officer Ashokumar Bhandari stated that the memorandum submitted by the Haliya Liberation Federation, Dadeldhura will be promptly forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office. He assured that they are prepared to assist and coordinate efforts in the field of rehabilitation for freed Haliyas.

Sher Bahadur Bhandari