The following excerpts come from the conclusion of a report by written Purna Nepali about traditional caste-based occupations. The article was appeared in THE ORGANISATION: DEVELOPMENT PRACTIONER’S MAGAZINE, Vol 11, Issue 1, by ODC (Organisation Development Centre).

Traditional artisans are a part of the culture of the Nepalese society. Their expertise is fast disappearing though due to unfavorable environment and only few are still dependant on their craftsmanship for their subsistence. The craftsmen are not in position to compete in the open market. The structure of the Nepalese society, especially caste system and existing power relations are responsible for disappearing of traditional caste based occupations. As Dalits have neither social nor economic power they are trapped in patron-client type of relations to varying degree. Nexus of all these results in negative effect on economic status, livelihood, participation in public life, caste based discrimination and violation of human rights. Dalits have been confined to Dalits caste based occupations to serve the whole Nepalese society from very beginning and they could not enhance or develop their access to land which is not only a productive asset but it is a source of social and economic power, symbol of prestige and prosperity in agrarian society. Most of educated Dalit youth perceive that caste based discrimination and untouchablity is strongly associated with their occupations and they do not want to continue their ancestors’ professions. There is an ongoing debate about whether to modernise Dalits’ caste based occupations or not. Though there are a number of the state’s efforts for overall socioeconomic empowerment of marginalised communities the Dalits’ rights have been continually violated. Dalits poverty – human, economic and structural is a direct result of the caste system and subsequent social exclusion. The equity based approach to development and international human rights standards are not emphasising enough socioeconomic security of Dalit community in the Nepalese context.

- Purna Bahadur Nepali
Ph.D. Researcher
HNRSC, KU & NCCR North-South

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