- Lalit Pariyar
Journalist/Active Member, Dalit Movement, Nepal

A young Dalit journalist Mr. Lalit Pariyar (28) born in the district of Rukum of Nepal, who runs the “Nepal Manch” monthly magazine was interviewed by The Telegraph Nepal in its % -Questions column under the title, “Maoists’ led rebellion could not ensure fair participation of the dalits in the overall State structure”. The full text of the interview follows:
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TGQ1: First tell us as a Journalist, how do you visualize the state of Nepal’s Dalit aandolan?

Pariyar: The Dalit agitation has undergone six decades of ups and downs. It is widely believed that discriminations are not to be practiced among people originating from different communities. On the basis of castes, colors and jobs people are not to be categorized as untouchables or even should not be treated inhumanly. If such practices are prevalent in a society, then it is the gross violation of Human Rights. More over, in the Nepal case, since 2024(BS) organizationally people have started coming forward against such traditional practices. In the year 2003(BS) however, Mr. Bhagat Sarwajeet Bishwakarma had for the first time demanded equality…the aandolan continues to date. The fact is that it was only after the political changes brought after the 1990 General Uprising, the dalits too became aware of their plight and the rights they had been denied from time immemorial. Some forms of rights were partially granted to the dalits only after the Janaandolan-I by the State. Then, the non-dalits too joined hands with the Dalits in order to ensure free education for the children belonging to the Dalit community. And, changes since then have been witnessed among the dalits who had been barred from education after the advent of democratic order in the country. The State, National and International organizations are to be commended for bringing about such substantial changes but I admit a lot still needs to be accomplished.

The Dalits too have become aware politically, but unified efforts are still needed among dalits themselves who are currently divided into various political ideologies, to ensure full rights guaranteed by the State. Thus, it is partially true that the division amongst the dalits themselves is responsible for this delay and the major political parties too do treat the community as mere vote banks and simply a low level party cadres. The high level political leadership is plagued with the age old and status quoist mindset, accordingly dalits are divided into several political fronts and the leadership make it for sure that they never unite…the present state of the Dalit aandolan is rather a reflection of the Nepali politics.

Talking of the Maoists led decade old rebellion, the dalits too have played significant role, most of the Dalit organizations became a part of it and more than 1100 Dalit youngsters lost their precious lives in the process. The rebellion made it for certain that the dalits never gave-up while fighting for their rights but could not find an outlet to the problems the dalits were facing since decades and decades. The decade old rebellion could only minimize the prevalent untouchability and other discriminatory practices present in the society, yet could not ensure fair participation of the dalits in the overall State structure. First time ever, 18 people form the Dalit community made their way to the interim parliament with the Maoists Party making their way from decade long rebellion to their participation in the government. These are the benefits of the People’s War and the Final 19 day long Peoples’ uprising. Nevertheless, dalits becoming parliamentarians does in no way guarantee an end to the age old slavery. To the dismay, the State is not made aware of the plight of the dalit community that they are facing even from the parliament where the community itself is represented in a sizeable manner.

The issues of lack of right to land, lack of education, poverty, political unawareness are major problems that irk this community…such issues could have been raised right from the parliamentary premises, those are thus far remain ignored.

So, the dalit aandolan continues to vow an end to all the discriminatory practices, ensure social justice, political rights and a fair participation of the community in all the state organs.

As a journalist, I think the media must support the dalits for their demands guaranteeing Human Rights and the lawful support to their genuine Aandolan.

TGQ2: What role you prescribe the State must play to raise the livelihoods of those endured by age-old discriminatory practices?

Pariyar: It is not only that the Dalits have been facing societal discriminations based on their origin; they are also barred from their economic and political rights. More than 50% of the total 9 million population of the Dalit community are mainly landless and dalits themselves belonging to the labor class and the country being an agriculture based country, it is indeed a pitiful situation that they do not own land. The community that is more known for their hard work is itself living as destitute. Here is a glaring example, recently in the district of Dailekh the government threw away the rotten inedible rice, the dalits in the district came to the venue and took all of the decayed food to feed their empty bowls. Isn’t it a matter of shame for the entire nation?

Thus the point is that it is not just that the dalits are facing age old discriminatory practices they are also barred from their rights to education. The Dalit children must be granted free yet high quality education by the State until they reach the higher levels. Free land must be distributed among the landless dalits. Their rights to Water, Land and Jungle and other natural resources must be provided to them in a justifiable manner. Stringent laws must be enacted to put those under bars charging with acts against humanity if discrimination based on origin is further practiced. Jobs must be ensured to the educated, partially educated and uneducated dalits by the State. Jobless dalits must be guaranteed State’s financial support.
With the restructuring of the State, if the political, social and economic rights of the dalits are ensured, proportional representation of the dalits in all the state organs from top to bottom and also make it for sure that the Dalits can compete with the rest of the communities, then only the livelihood of the Dalit community can be raised and their Human Rights, Economic and Social rights secured.

TGQ3: Why is it that even after amending interim constitution for the third time, Dalit issues could not be addressed?

Pariyar: It is partially correct that dalit issues have not yet been addressed properly by the interim constitution. It is rather the lack of united efforts from the Dalit community itself, more so the Dalit agitation coordinated by Binod Pahari that continued for months could only pressurize the government to address some issues related to the Badi community within the domain of the Dalit Community. Overall, no substantial gains could be made as the government played a repressive role then. Our fault was only that we resorted to peaceful agitation else, the government could have been forced for the fourth constitution amendment.

Recently, the government has declared yet another date for the Constituent Assembly, so the Dalits are more concerned over the timely conduct of the CA election. The point is that the government will address responsibly to the plight of Dalit community after the conduct of election, if not we may have to resort to other forms of protests.

TGQ4: Has the State been successful to put laws into practice that are enacted against the prevalent discrimination based on castes?

Pariyar: No! On 17th August 1963, King Mahendra brought out the civil code (Muluki Ain) and later in the year 1990, the constitution itself declared caste based discrimination unlawful, yet noting as such could be put into practice.

There are examples that when the Dalits and Human Rights Activists filed complaints, the culprits were released charging merely Rs. 1 as a penalty for practicing castes based discriminations.

Last year only in the district of Doti, some Hindu Dalits who entered a temple were attacked by the non-dalits and even resorted to violence, the local administration remained tight-lipped. There are laws but the men in the State organs do not have the will to put them into action. The age-old malpractice, caste and religion based arrogance and feudalistic frame of mind continues unabated among the ruling elites.

TGQ5: Tell us something about the support the Dalit aandolan is getting from the main stream media? What about the representation of dalit journalists in the mainstream media?

Pariyar: It is not that the mainstream media has totally ignored the plight of the Dalit community but it is true that some appear to be prejudiced for reasons obviously unknown.

More than giving space to issues of societal interests, it is seen that the mainstream media provides adequate space to issues that generates financial benefit. The media personnel could have also constraints, I presume, as to how the “owners” will respond taking up of social issues, such as the dalit issues?

The financial constraints are definitely there even in our issues though we are bringing out our own publication. But we are seriously raising issues from our side to pressurize the government and make the society aware of our demands. We are ready to work with international and national organizations to create awareness about the governments’ sheer negligence being exhibited towards the sizeable segment of the society- the dalits.

It is time that the concerned NGOs and INGOs listen to our story. 2008-01-30 09:16:26


- कमल नेपाली

गत मङ्सिर ११ गते आयोजित दलित मुक्ति मोर्चा एकीकृतको कार्यक्रममा लालबहादुर विश्वकर्माले भनेका थिए । ‘म एमालेको सानो पिउन मात्र हुँ ।’ दलित नेतृत्व बराजुको बफादारीबाट माथि उठ्न नसकेको चर्चा चलिरहेकै बखत पछिल्लोपटक एकजना जिम्मेवार दलका दलितको यस्ता भनाइले दासवादका अन्य पात्रहरूको पानासमेत पल्टाइदिएको छ । ‘शेरबहादुर साना विष्ट हुन् राजा ठूला । त्यसैले ठूलै विष्ट रोज्नु जाति ।’ -हरिशंकर परियार -नेपालीमञ्च मासिक अङ्क ९, भदौ ०६२ मा पदम लेकाली) त्यस्तै ‘सुधारिएको भनिएको ०१९ को पञ्चायती संविधानमा छुवाछूतलाई दण्डनीय गर्नुपर्छ भन्ने टी.आर.विश्वकर्माको विरोधमा गर्नुपर्दैन भन्न प्रतापराम लोहार पात्र खडा गरिएको बारेमा सोही मासिककै अङ्क ३ भदौ ०६० मा हीरा विश्वकर्माले लेखेका थिए । अनि ‘म दलितले बनाएको नेता होइन’ भनेर मानबहादुर विश्वकर्माले बाहुनवाद भिरिसकेको कुरा पनि बग्रेल्ती बाहिर आइसकेकै हुन् । यहाँ क्रमशः विश्वकर्मा, परियार र लोहार पूव सहायक मन्त्री हुन् भने मानबहादुर पनि लोकतान्त्रिक सरकारको पहिलो संस्करणमा राज्यमन्त्री थिए ।

यो पल्टाइले एकातर्फराजनीतिक वृत्तमा दलितहरूको विद्यमान पिउनवाद पटाक्षेप भएको छ भने अर्कोतर्फ स्वाभिमानी दलित समुदायको आत्मसम्मानमा पनि गहिरो चोट पुर्‍याएको छ । आफ्नो समुदायको उत्थानको सवालमा पनि आधुनिक विष्टका भूमिका खेलिरहृका दल र दरबारकै मुख ताकेर दलितहरूले अद्यापि विगतमा आफ्ना विष्टलाई खराब भन्ने दलितकै विरुद्ध पाखुरा र्सुकने दलितभन्दा माथि नउठ्नु विडम्बना नै हो । उति बेलाको अज्ञानता र बाध्यताको स्थितिलाई यतिबेला बढार्नु पर्नेमा त्यसले रूपान्तरिक रङ्गमा निरन्तरताको छनक दिनुले अराजकताको दूरी त नाप्दैछैन - भन्ने प्रश्न खडा गर्दछ । यसको जवाफमा ‘छैन’ भन्ने हो भने राज्य, दल तथा गैरदलित सबैले दलितबीच फालेको अधिकारको टुक्रो पुच्छर, दलित त्यही तानातान गरिरहेको स्थिति अनि मौका छोपेर बाहुनवादीहरूले सिङ्गो अधिकार ‘टाउको’ तेल बेसार घसेर खाइरहेको दृश्यलाई प्रत्यक्ष देखिरहेको छ भन्नुपर्ने हुन्छ ।

शासकहरूले दलितको इमानदारिता, लगनशीलता र सिर्जनशीलतालाई आफ्नो स्वार्थमा प्रयोग गरेर यो समुदायमाथि बालीघरे र हलियाजस्ता दासप्रथा लादेका थिए । यही धमिलोमा अवसरवादी दलितहरूले पद, प्रतिष्ठा, पैसा र पावरको माछा मार्न भ्याए । जुठोपुरो खानेहरूले नुनको सोझो पुर्‍याउनकै लागि पनि प्राप्त पावरलाई दलितका पक्षमा प्रयोग गरेनन् । गैससको हकमा पनि कुरो त्यही हो । अलिकति समाजसेवा, त्योभन्दा बढी दाम, अझ बढी सुविधा अनि सुन्दर भविष्यमात्र सोचिंदा यो कर्मले वास्तवमा दिने निकायसँग बफादार हुनेभन्दा माथिल्लो हैसियत राख्न सकेन ।

गैससको परिणामविहीन स्वेच्छाचारी र अस्वस्थ प्रतिस्पर्धा अनि दलइतर दलित सङ्घ सङ्गठनहरूको आस्थाका दलसँग मोही माग्ने तर ढुङ्ग्रो देखाउन नसक्ने प्रवृत्तिले अहिलेसम्म दलितका नाममा कुनै पनि आन्दोलनले आन्दोलनको रूप धारण गर्न सकेको छैन । आफ्नो दलका नेता रिझाएर पद पड्काउने खेल खतरनाक देखिएको छ । छुवाछूत विरोधी आन्दोलन उत्कर्षा पुग्दै गर्दा पछि आएर केही दलित नेताहरूको पञ्चायतीकरणसँगै ती मुलुकी ऐन नै र्सवस्व ठान्दै राजा महेन्द्रलाई मुक्तिदाता मानेर सत्ताको जुठेल्नु खोसल्न पुग्नु पनि दलित आन्दोलनको दुभाग्य नै थियो ।

अब प्रसङ्ग अधिकारको प्रकृतिको । ०६३ फागुन ७ गते सम्पन्न मुलुकका प्रमुख राजनीतिक दलित सङ्गठनहरूको संयुक्त सहमतिमा कतै पनि नपरेको आरक्षण शब्द अहिले ब्युँताउन खोजिएको आभास भएको छ । बिआइसिसिमा गत मङ्सिर २६ देखि २८ गतेसम्म सम्पन्न दलित राष्ट्रिय सम्मेलनले मिति गुज्रेको आरक्षणलाई नै प्रमुख मुद्दा बनाएर नेपथ्यबाट फेरि पनि दासता त स्वीकारिएन - भन्ने प्रश्न उब्जाएको छ । फागुन ७ गतेको संयुक्त सहमतिमा देख्न सकिन्छ -संविधानसभा निर्वाचन समानुपातिक मात्र नभएर समावेशी समानुपातिक हुनुपर्दछ । जसमार्फत दलित जनसङ्ख्याको समानुपातिक हुनेगरी र क्षतिपूर्तिवापत थप अधिकारको रूपमा संविधानसभामा हाललाई न्यूनतम २० प्रतिशत दलित प्रतिनिधि निर्वाचित हुने व्यवस्था गरिनुपर्दछ ।

अनि त्यही प्रक्रियाबाटै राज्यको माथिदेखि तलसम्मका सरकारी तथा निजी निकायहरूमा प्रतिनिधित्वको स्थिति सिर्जना गर्नुपर्दछ । ‘यहाँ समानुपातिक र थप अधिकारका प्रसङ्ग परे पनि विशेषाधिकार शब्दसमेत देखिन्न । यस प्रकार आरक्षणवादी र विशेषाधिकारवादीबीचबाट जन्मेको समानुपातिक समावेशी अधिकारको अवधारणले सहमतिको निरन्तरतालाई मुक्ति सर्‹ष्ासँग जोड्ला कि भन्ने आशामा दलित नेतृत्वले फेरि पनि आआफ्नै बाजा बनाउन थालेर तुषारापात गरेका छन् । दलितलाई समान हितको साझा बिन्दुमा जुट्न नदिनका लागि पार्टी ीनुशासनका नाममा साझा मोर्चा बनाउन नदिएको चर्चा र त्यही बञ्चितीकरणको अक्करबाट टुसाएको सहमतिलाई हुकाउने अभ्यास ओझेलमा पर्नुको कारण अन्ततः लादिएको र स्वीकारिएको दासतामै गएर टुङ्गएको छ ।

दलहरूले दलित समुदायलाई सङ्गठित बनाउने र उनीहरूमाथि गरिएका सबै प्रकारका शोषणको विरुद्ध बोल्ने वातावरण सृजना गर्नेभन्दा पनि यो समुदायलाई हामीले बिर्सेे छैनौं भन्ने पारेर झण्डा बोकाउने र परेको बेला गोली खाइदिने अनि चुनावमा भोट हालिदिने साधनको रूपमा मात्र प्रयोग गरे । यो छलछाम दलितले ठम्याउन सकेनन् र नै दलहरूले दलितलाई चुनाव रहिञ्जेल ‘तपाइं हामी र सकिएपछि दमाई कामी’को व्यवहार गर्ने हिम्मत गरे । दलित समुदायको हक हितका लागि गठन भएको आयोग र विकास समिति दलकै कार्यकर्ताको भर्ती केन्द्र हुनुका पछाडि पनि कारण यिनै हुन् ।

यसप्रकार राजनीतिक दासता हावी भइरहेकै छ । त्यसैमा दलालको आरोप खेपिरहेका गैससवादीहरूले राजनीतिक दलितलाई झोले भन्ने र झोले भनिएकाहरूले पनि भन्नेहरूलाई डलरे भन्ने विवाद मिसिएको देखिन्छ । यहाँ गैससबारे फेरि केही खोतलौं । संस्था दर्ता ऐन ०३४ ले संस्था खोल्न पाउने कानुनी अधिकार दिएपछि देखिएको खोल्ने होडबाजीमा यहाँ ३२०० को हाराहारीमा गैसस खुलेकोमा दलितको क्षेत्रमा काम गर्ने मात्रै ३४५० संस्था दर्ता भएको बुझ्न सकिन्छ । यो समाजकल्याण परिषद्को पछिल्लो तथ्याङ्क हो । अनि उपलब्धि - यो तिनलाई बिच्काउने प्रश्न हो । यसै चोर उसै चोर, ठूलै बन्ने भन्ने सिद्धान्तबाट प्रेरित परजिवीहरुले चरितार्थ गरेको माग्नेको मोही मोह संस्कारले उपलब्धीको प्रश्नमा जवाफ दिन सक्तैन ।

वातानुकूलित होटलहरूमा सभा समारोह, शिक्षित दलितलाई भत्ता प्रलोभन अनि देश देशाटनको हिसाब मिलाई बजेट उडाउनेहरूले आयातित दासतालाई नकारेर उपलब्धिको सोली टक्र्याउलान् भन्ने ठान्नु पनि मूखता नै हुन्छ । आमूल परिवर्तनप्रतिको उत्साहविहीनताले गैससलाई विभेद टिकाइराख्ने र संस्थाको आयु पनि लम्ब्याउने धन्दा भन्नेहरूको मुख थुन्न सक्तैन । निश्चित अवधिमा निश्चित समुदायको उत्थानकर्म सकेर इज्जतसाथ बन्द नहुने परिपाटीले बोक्सी पनि रहिरहोस् धामी पनि भइरहुँ भन्ने वृत्तिलाई सतहमा ल्याएको छ ।

गैससबीच समन्वयको अभावमा एकै समुदाय जिल्ला र गाउँका दलितमा एकै प्रकारको कार्यक्रम दोहोरिएको पाइनुले यो कर्मलाई प्रोजेक्ट पचाउने खेल सावित गर्दैछ । कार्यक्रमको अतिरञ्जनापूण समाचार बनाई त्यही तरिकाले रिपोर्ट पठाएर रमरसमा रकम सक्ने संस्कृति दलितको गरिबी र विभेदमाथिको बलात्कार हो । त्रिपुरेश्वरस्थित होटल अर्किडमा हप्तामै दुइदर्जनसम्म दलित कार्यक्रम हुने कुरा प्रकाशमा आउनुले पनि यसलाई पुष्टी गर्दछ र यस्तै उपलब्धीहीनतालाई नियाल्दै गैससलाई मर्यादित व्यवस्थित र प्रभावकारी बनाउन जारी गरिएको सामाजिक स‹संस्थाको आचारसंहिता ०६२ बाट तिनको अस्मितामाथि प्रहार भएको आरोप लगाएर गैससले समुद्रपारिको दासतालाई मूल्यवान बनाउँदैनन् ।

समग्रमा यहाँ चारवटा पक्ष देखिए । पिउनवाद, विष्टवाद, प्रतिक्रान्तिकारिता र स्वेच्छाचारिता । पूव मन्त्री महोदयहरूले पहिलो, दोस्रो र तेस्रो पक्ष सम्हालेका छन् र चौथो चाहिं फाँटका राँगा झैं फुक्काफाल मगन्तेमार्गीको भागमा परेको छ । पहिलो र दोस्रोले शीष्कको दासतालाई उम्दा सावित गर्दछन् । अनि तेस्रोले ताली पिट्छन् । चौथो विदेशी बराजुको देन हो जहाँ दासताले राष्ट्रिय सिमाना नाघेको छ । यसप्रकार दलित अगुवाहरूले संरक्षक नेता, संस्था र विदेशी दातृ निकायहरूको आशर्वादमा हात घ्युमय बनाइरहेछन् । मालिकप्रतिको धनुष्टंकार प्रणामले केही व्यक्तिलाई बसिखाने कित्तामा पुर्‍याएको छ । यसबाट विभेदको चपेटामा परेका गरिब ग्रामीण दलितहरू भने गिजिइरहेका छन् ।

के अब यही स्थिति हेरेर बसिरहने त - होइन । अब दलितलाई फुसदको बेला सोचिने विषय बनाउने दलको विरुद्ध जाग्नुपर्दछ । पार्टी पोल्टाबाट नेतृत्वलाई निकाल्न दबाब सृजना गर्नुपर्दछ । दलित अवस्थाबाट फडको मार्न नेतृत्वले पहलकदमी गर्नुपर्दछ । गैससलाई कहाँबाट, कति, कसरी जस्ता प्रश्नले बाँध्नुपर्दर्छ । आफ्ना लागि कार्यक्रम आएका हुन् भने त्यसको हिसाबकिताबबारे जानकारी राख्न पाउने अधिकारको पूरापूर उपभोग गर्नुपर्दछ । यति भयो भने दासता लाद्ने र स्वीकार्ने दुवै स्थितिले कोल्टे फेर्नेछ ।

Source: Gorakhapatra [ 2064-10-16 ]

- सुमन

काठमाण्डौ, २०६४ माघ १५- कपिलबस्तुको चन्द्रौटामा र्स्वर्गद्वारी होटल एण्ड लजका संचालक राजु भट्टर्राईले दुई दलित किशोरीहरुलाई जर्बजस्ती यौन व्यवसाय गर्न बाध्य बनाएको थाहा भएको छ ।

अर्घाखाँची घरमै पुगेर १५ र १६ बर्षा ती किशोरीहरुलाई होटल संचालक राजु भट्टर्राईले अभिभावकसंग राम्रो काम दिने र मासिक २००० रुपैया दाम तलब दिने र्सतमा घरबाट त्यहाँ ल्याएका थिए । होटलमा बास बस्न र मदिरा सेवन गर्न आएका ग्राहकहरुलाई यौन व्यवहार गर्न उस्काउने अनि उनीहरुबाट मोटो रकम असुल्दै किशोरीहरुलाई जर्बजस्ती यौन कृयाकलापमा संलग्न हुन बाध्य बनाउदै आएका थिए । किशोरीहरुले त्यस्तो काम गर्न नमानेपछि कुटपिट गर्ने, विभिन्न धम्कीहरु दिने र ग्राहकहरुलाई कोठा भित्र पस्न लगाई ढोका बाहिरबाट ताल्चा लगाएर होटल संचालक राजु भट्टर्राईले यौन व्यवसाय संचालन गर्दै आएका थिए ।

गएको आईतवार राती इलाका प्रहरी कार्यालय चन्द्रौटाको नियमित गस्तीमा रहेका प्रहरी इनेस्पेक्टर धर्मराज सुनारको टोलीले शंकास्पद होटलमा छापामार्दा किशोरीहरु त्यहा फेला परेका थिए । सोधपुछको क्रममा किशोरीहरुले आफूमाथी भईरहेको यौन शोषणको बारेमा प्रहरीलाई खुलासा गरेपछि होटल संचालक राजु भट्टर्राईलाई प्रहरीले नियन्त्रणमा लिएको छ । अहिले पिडित किशोरीहरुको जाहेरीमा प्रहरीले होटल संचालक राजु भट्टर्राईलाई जिउमास्ने

बेच्ने उद्योगमा लागेको अभियोगमा मुद्धा दर्ता गरेको छ ।घटनाको वास्तविकता पत्ता लगाउन र पिडित किशोरीहरुको उद्धारका लागि दलित समुदायको हक, अधिकारका लागि कार्यरत राष्ट्रिय स्तरका संघ, संस्थाहरुको एक प्रतिनिधि टोली काठमाण्डौंबाट आज त्यसतर्फ प्रस्तान गरको छ ।

UN Headquarters, Jan 23- There were optimistic signs that the twice-postponed elections for a Constituent Assembly that would decide the future of Nepal could take place as planned on 10 April, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative said at the UN Headquarters on January 23. He was speaking at a press conference following the UN Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) for another six months.

However, a 21-point agreement reached between political parties had not satisfied the Dalit and other marginalized groups, the UNMIN Chief said. Political leaders were now trying to find an acceptable balance between ensuring inclusion and representation in the election, and not prejudging the prerogatives of the Constituent Assembly. The central challenge until the April elections was to address the concerns of marginalized groups through dialogue in order to reach agreement on participation in the Constituent Assembly and to address the security situation in Central and Eastern Terai. News Source: UN-DPI. < < More on this story >>.

US President Bush speaks of the need for Nepal to address concerns of Dalits

Washington DC, January 24 - The President of the United States George Bush spoke of the need for Nepal to address the concerns of Madeshis and marginalized groups [including Dalits], over a White House ceremony where the new Ambassador of Nepal Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise presented his credential to the US President yesterday, the reports say. During the occasion, the US president saluted Nepali people and government for the progress made on the ongoing transition to democracy, and said, the US encourages the government and Maoists to work together to hold CA polls on time.

- nepaldalitinfo news

Related News:

Bush restates support for Nepal

Bush urges govt, Maoists to ensure CA polls

The Telegraph Nepal interviewed Maya Singh Nepali, who revealed some hard facts about her Community.

Ms. Maya Singh Nepali hails from the district of Dang and represents the country’s one of the most backward community- the Badi Community.

Ms. Nepali is currently an Intermediate of Science level student in the field of Biology in Kathmandu. A hectic study hour does not stop her from attending various programs in Kathmandu and outside, where she could tell the people about the plight of her community.

Maya recently spoke at a seminar sponsored by this paper last December and made the attending participants to remain spell bound. The way she represented her community and the plight that she made public there was simply touching. She could not control her tears at time when she was speaking from the dais during the inaugural session of the seminar. To recall, the Danish Ambassador was the chief guest of the Seminar.

Maya apart from being engaged in social activities, serves at Katuwal Radio Patrika, and Jagran media center. This modest girl also is a researcher.

She appeals the international donor community to seriously look into the continued plight of the Badi community. Maya wants a primary school being constructed in her area which would allow the Badi kids to see the world through their own eyes. The Telegraph would thus politely encourage the donor community to be kind enough towards the plight of the Badi community as expressed by Maya Singh Nepali.

The full text of Maya Singh Nepali’s interview posted in The Telegraph.com on-line (2008-01-08 20:28:47 ) follows:

________________________________________

TGQ1: As a member of the “Badi Community” Ms. Maya, please first introduce your society? And also let us know the plight of your community?

Ms. Nepali: Shortly, this society is the most backward in the entire country and also within the domain of the Dalit community itself. Thus the community is still living in the Dark Age.

If we have to talk about the history of this community, it is said that the community migrated from Vaishali of India about three centuries back. Since then, they started living in Nepal but still they do not have any particular stationary living place as such. This society has always remained as a mobile community. Currently, the people of Badi community make their homes in almost 23 districts of this country. And the profession this community is primarily involved in is the “flesh trade” which has been putting their heads down. And the reason behind adopting this profession is nothing but the rampant poverty that this community is living since time immemorial. The poverty factor is what is forcing this community to engage itself in the most heinous flesh trade. But this is the hard reality.

In brief one can also say that this society mainly comprise of those people who do not have any approach in the country’s politics and the economic activities.

About the present status, the people of this society are still living at the banks of the river. Neither they own lands nor do they have place to live in that they could call their private homes. To add insult to injury, the educational level is too low. If I am correct, there is no formal educational degree holder in this community.

Of late, there have been major changes taking place in their mind set though. The number of people taking into the profession of prostitution is decreasing at a faster pace. This is good news. Still there are many involved in this profession and I repeat again it is not their choice but a compulsion.

TGQ2: Maya Jee, how do you justify the recent Badi revolution- as you call it, and what changes you think this could incorporate at the national level?

Ms. Nepali: Obviously, revolution is meant for changes and it also directs the overall society for what future course it is to take.

Similarly, Badi revolution which we witnessed some two months back has certainly paved a new path for the entire nation; this is what I have felt. In other words, it also means that an individual’s rights must also be preserved and guaranteed by the State no matter what community he or she belongs to or from which economic strata they belong to. There are norms- that are internationally accepted and that an individual has his/her right to live peacefully, to say what he or she wants and also to contribute in the country’s overall development, this is how the Badi Revolution should be taken. If such norms are every individual’s rights then how come people from Badi Community remain aloof? To add, the saddest part of the Badi Revolution is that still in the 21st century people have to fight for their basic rights.

Further, without addressing to the plight of this community, it would mean that such internationally acclaimed norms and principles are being grossly violated. We are here talking about an individual’s rights that’s all and that the people of this community too being a human being must also experience such rights if they exist at all. Our demands are thus just and valid.

And I am optimistic that the Badi community’s fight for their rights must have opened the eyes of the ruling elites of late. Finally, I hope that no marginalized community in Nepal will have to fight for their rights repeatedly.

TGQ3: What majors the government of Nepal has adopted to address the plight of your community?

Ms. Nepali: As yet and also to my knowledge I am yet to witness if such policies have been devised by the government to address the plight of this community. I am sure there is nothing as such…though we have been told by the government that our problems will be addressed soon. I warn the government that if our demands are not met with on time, we will too join the streets. Of what nature and dimension our protests would be is very difficult to predict to say. All that I can say is that the protest would some how or the other shake the entire establishment.

TGQ4: As a youth representing the Badi community, what you prescribe for the problems faced by this community?

Ms. Nepali: I certainly have some ideas as to how to uplift the community. As a member of the community what the whole community is facing I am also facing the same thing. For me education is the fore most. Providing scholarships to our backward community is necessary. To eradicate the rampant poverty creating job opportunities on the basis of reservation is also necessary. Last but not the least, Health facility is necessary as well. For this the government should provide all types of facilities which are directly or indirectly related to health. For example, pure drinking water, sanitation, heath awareness programs, family planning, electricity etc. There is no health posts as such in my area in Dang.

And the common voice of this society is [for] the citizenship and our ownership to land. This should also be included in the priority list. Government’s attention in this regard is what is demanded now.

TGQ5: How do you relate poverty and the problems faced by this community?

Ms. Nepali: I am happy that you asked me this question. Not many people in this country would like to listen to or read as to what problems of our community is facing since centuries. I cannot say that efforts were not made to raise this society. Yet I have to say that corruption is the major cause for the sorry state of the community. There are NGOs and other agencies working towards uplifting the community. Yet there are some who have been misusing the funds they have received from the government or from the international donors. I can also say that green Dollars are pouring in but no positive change as yet have been felt by the Badi Community. This is unfortunate.

________________________________________
Comments (1)

I am happy to know that a student of Badi Community has been able to give some new informations about her society through an interview; I appreciate it and would like to encourage her to go ahead.In a backward society like ours, the programs of governments, donors, and various NGOs have not been fruitful; they are not only designed in a faulty way without studying how feasible it can be, implemented without good preparation in technical and management side,but their impact is also never evaluated.Our planning commission, with it’s 50 years’ experience, has proved itself an ineffective organization since neither it is self-sufficient in resources, nor the resources that are available are being managed properly to make the plan and program fruitful and effective.Moreover,mis-management and corruption within the government machineries and political parties are the factors that paralyse the programs:In this way, before a program to uplift economic and social level of a community is launched, we have to improve those aspects; program of Badi community can not be an exception.

Commented by raj - January 8, 2008 @ 3:04 PM

Barriers Of Dalits Inclusion

- Bharat Nepali

Nepali people are eagerly waiting to see the materialisation of the republic free from violence and unrest. The historic Jana Aandolan II (Peoples Movement II) 2062/063 gave the seven political parties and their leaders the mandate to work in the direction for materializing this dream of the Nepali people. However, the postponement of Constituent Assembly elections twice was disappointing. The parties within the seven party alliance were responsible for the postponement of the polls. Everyone expects that the polls won�t be postponed for the third time.

Efforts

Currently, political obstacles are gradually diminishing with the government’s genuine efforts to address the issues raised by various excluded groups. The issue of Dalit inclusion should not be kept apart in respect to the sacrifices and participation of the Dalits in the peaceful joint people�s movement.

No doubt, the Dalits have suffered from discrimination and deprived of many facilities in the country and they want the CA elections to be held as soon as possible because they expect the CA will do the needful as regards their problems.

Nepal is a country inhabited by various caste/ethnic groups with distinct cultures and languages and different religion persuasions. Dalits, as shown by the latest census, constitute around 14 per cent of the total population. They are discriminated by the so-called upper caste because of the deep-rooted belief fostered by the religion itself. Dalits are not only deprived from development opportunities but also from exercising their basic human rights. For bringing Dalits on an equal footing, special provisions are needed in every process of the making of the new Nepal. The issue of social exclusion is coming up as one of the major problems in the country. It is slowly getting magnified affecting the lives of Dalit, which is a matter of grave concern for all.

A study on “Essence and Challenges of Special Provisions for Dalit Inclusion: An Institutional Analysis of Various Organizations” published by NNDSWO shows a sad situation of Dalits’ participation and inclusion in the development field. A total of 36 organizations from government, NGOs, INGOs, bilateral and multilateral organizations jointly carried out the study to find out the essence and challenges of Dalit inclusion within the efforts and processes. The study obviously showed that the mandate of the organization were to contribute towards the promotion of human rights, establishment of equitable society and reduction of poverty.

Out of the 36 organizations, 37 per cent practice the programming approach of poverty reduction. It reveals that the executive board/management committee was dominated by the so-called upper caste people accounting for 36 per cent while only 1.7 % Dalits worked as members. The composition of staff according to caste and ethnicity shows a great disparity of Brahmin (24.58 %) to that of Dalits (4.5 %). Senior positions have been occupied by Brahmins (40.9 %), Chhetri (27.3 %) and Newar (22.7 %) among the INGOs. In government offices also the senior positions have been occupied by the upper caste Brahmin (77.8 %) whereas there were no Dalits. The fact is that the Brahmins have a larger pool of highly qualified and competitive people which the Dalits lack.

Organizations working for development need to provide strong commitment to improve the status of Dalits through the provision of positive discrimination. Lack of competent people for leadership among the Dalits, intra-Dalit discrimination, lack of awareness and narrow mentality, religious belief, superstition, rigid hierarchical social structure, poverty, inadequate policy implementation, lack of commitment and willingness from concerned authorities are the major barriers to develop and implement special provisions for the participation and inclusion of Dalits. While many government, INGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies in Nepal have made effective efforts towards improving the situation of marginalized communities they serve, the truth is that Dalits still remain oppressed and excluded. The government and non-government sectors look less serious in trying to remove these foremost barriers.

The problem of caste discrimination is a fundamental barrier to poverty reduction, and social injustice and requires every political and social organization so as to increase the access of Dalits to resources and opportunities. Dalits will remain excluded if the problem of caste discrimination is not properly addressed. All the government and non government organizations working for the development of the society should increase the level of commitment and efforts for Dalit development programmes and should invest more in this area. They should implement measures to ensure the participation and inclusion of Dalits in its structure and contribute for the positive discrimination to benefit the Dalits. Therefore, there is a need to do more to sensitize the state and non-government sectors (NGOs, INGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies) in promoting Dalit rights and bringing them in the national mainstream by removing barriers and creating conducive environment for Dalit inclusion.

Wide Gap

The gap between commitment from the decision-makers and implementation of inclusive policies remains wide within the organization, especially in the institutional and policy levels. Political parties and civil society organizations should play a vital role to increase the proportional representation of Dalits in the political process. Therefore, the need of the hour is to ensure the representation of the Dalits in the new Nepal which may definitely help to formulate the required plans and policies for their upliftment.

The writer is Implementation Specialist of Rights, Democracy and Inclusion Fund (RDIF) in ESP/DFID]

Source: The Rising Nepal [ 2008-1-13 ]

दलितलाई मत दिएको भन्दै धारा प्रयोग गर्न रोक

Yet an another incident of atrocity to Dalits happens in Sauraha village of Rupendehi district. Three Dalit families are barred from using public drinking water supply on the charge that they have voted for a Dalit candidate in the election of a local primary school management board.

बुटवल पुस २४ (जसस)- विद्यालय व्यवस्थापन समितिको निर्वाचनमा दलित समुदायका उम्मेदवारलाई मतदान गरेको भन्दै कपिलवस्तुमा ३ दलित परिवारलाई र्सार्वजनिक धाराको पानी प्रयोग गर्नबाट बञ्चित गरिएको छ ।

जिल्लाको सौराहा गाविस वडा नं. १ स्थित श्री प्राथमिक विद्यालय पिपरहवामा पुस २१ गते व्यवस्थापन समितिको अध्यक्ष पदमा उम्मेदवार सन्तोष हरिजनलाई मत दिएको आरोप लगाएर स्थानीय मुकेश पाण्डे लगायतका व्यक्तिहरुले ति दलित परिवारलाई र्सार्वजनिक धाराको पानी प्रयोग गर्न रोक लगाएका छन् । धाराको पानी प्रयोग गर्न रोक लगाएपछि स्थानीय झिक्न चमार र तुल्सिराम चमारका परिवारले छिमेकीको धाराबाट पानी प्रयोग गर्न बाध्य भएका छन् ।

ब्यवस्थापन समितिको निर्वाचनमा मतगणना हुंदा दलित समुदायका व्यक्ति सन्तोषले २७ मत प्राप्त गरेका थिए । उनका प्रतिद्वन्दी श्यामलालले जम्मा २२ मत प्राप्त गरेपछि विद्यालयका प्राध्यापक अर्जुनप्रसाद चौधरीले बदरमतलाई समेत सदर मत बनाइक प्रतिद्वन्दी उम्मेदवारलाई विजयी बनाइएका थिए ।

मतदानको भोलिपल्ट पुस २२ गतेबाट सन्तोष हरिजनलाई मत दिएको भन्दै पाण्डे लगायतका व्यक्तिहरुले ती दलित समुदायलाई र्सार्वजनिक धारा प्रयोग गर्न रोक लगाएको पीडितहरुले बताएका छन् । उनीहरुलाई गाउं नै निकाला गर्ने र छिमेकिको घरमा पानी खादा उनीहरुको घरनै भत्काईदिने धम्की दिएको बताइएको छ ।

घटनाका सम्बन्धमा स्थानिय इन्दु प्रसाद हरिजनले मतदान अधिकृत गाविस सचिव बाबुराम शर्मालाई सोध्दा निज पाण्डेले गाली बेइज्यती गरेका थिए । उक्त गाली बेइज्यतीको आरोप सहित हरिजनले जिल्ला प्रशासन कार्यालय कपिलवस्तुमा पाण्डे विरुद्ध उजुरी गरेका छन् ।

निर्वाचनका सम्बन्धमा भने जिल्ला शिक्षा कार्यालयका बुद्धराज बस्यालले मतदान गर्नु नपर्ने र समुदायमा छलफल गरेर व्यवस्थापन समिति बनाएर ल्याउने भनेर जवाफ दिएको पीडित सन्तोषले बताएका छन् ।

यस्तै सो धारणाको विरोध गर्दै भिजन नेपल रुपन्देहीका अध्यक्ष युवराज न्यौपानेले मतदानको परिणाम नस्वीकार्ने र र्सार्वजनिक धारामा पानि खान समेत रोक लगाउनु मानवअधिकार विरुद्धको कार्य भएको भन्दै दोषी उपर कारवाहीको माग गर्नुभएको छ ।
Report by:
Iman Sunar

4 January 2008, Dalit NGO Federation (DNF) carried out its another district campaign, being carried out 18 districts out of five development regions in recent times,in Mahottari district, Dalits of Mahattori raised Dalit agenda loudly with high unity showing mass demonstration for ensuring of Dalit Rights through Constituent Assembly. In active participation of around 400 Dalits of Mahottari District, a mass rally was demonstrated in Jaleshwor, the headquarter of Mahattori district.

The rally started from Jiromail of Jaleshwor which walked around the city of Mahattori chanting slogans of Dalit Demands “Ensure Dalit Rights through Constitution Assembly” with demonstrating play cards and banners. After demonstrating the mass rally in the headquarter, the mass gathering converted into the interaction programme named “Constituent Assembly and Inclusion of Dalits” in the hall of Local Development Office where District level leaders of political parties that include Nepali Congress, Nepal Communist Party (UML), People’s Front Party and others were invited to receive their solidarity and commitment to address the Rights and Issues of Dalits in the new constitution making process. Likewise, other distinguished guests as spoke persons invited in the program were the Local Development Officer Mr.Hari Lochan Sharma, representative of UNFPA/PARHI, local journalists, lawyer, intellectual and representative of local civil society and Human Rights organizations such as RDF, RCDSC and Seto Gurash Bal Bikash etc.

All the major leader of political parties and other representatives mentioned in their speech that it is right time to raise Dalit agenda to be addressed in the new constitution. Such type of programme must be continued even after CA polls and during the constitution making process so that it can create strong pressure to the CA member, political parties and government to address Dalit agenda for the inclusion of their rights in the new constitution. It was also highlighted during the programme by most of spokespersons that the dalit declarations made national and regional levels need to be advocated to ensure Dalit Rights in a systematic manner from national to grass root levels.

The programme was organized in coordination of Nepal Utpidit Utthan Pariyojana (NUUP), the member organization of DNF. The pogramme was chaired by Mr.Jitendra Paswan, President of NUUP and Facilitated by Mr.Sanjaya Paswan from NUUP.In the concluding remarks of the chairman of the programme, Mr.Paswan expressed that the solidarity and commitment received from the spokespersons of political parties and other concerned must be implemented and reservation to increase Dalit participatation in the every organs of the sate must be ensured.

Report by:
Dalit NGO Federation (DNF)
Women, Madheshi and Marginalized Division (WOMMD)

EDWON Newsletter 2007

Bishnu Pariyar and Eva Kasell
Empower Dalit Women of Nepal
www.edwon.org
175 Richdale Ave.# 105
Cambridge, MA 02140,
United States
617-864-1861