Kathmandu, August 27- A high level delegation of Dalits of Nepal met the Minister for Finance Hon. Surendra Pande here today, and had an interaction at the Ministry Finance auditorium. The meeting was initiated by incumbent Minister for state for general administration Mr. Jitu Gautam, as he managed to get appointment for the delegation with the Finance Minister. The delegation was historic in itself as all the political as well as non-political leaders of Dalit community except from as except Maoists’ camp were present. The interaction was facilitated by ex-minister for Agriculture Mr. Chhabilal Bishwakarma. A 13-point doable demands from the delegation side was prepared and was presented by the General Secretary of Nepal Dalit Sangh Mr. Jeewan Pariyar. The interaction was addressed by ex-minister of state for Science and Technology Mr. Manbahadur Bishwakarm, who demanded to recruit one teacher in each school of Nepal. Mr. Hira Vishwakarma representing Dalit civil society briefed Finance Minister about his involvement in the three years interim plan of Nepal and reiterated that though the budget is in many ways pro-Dalit, it is insufficient to achieve the goal of interim plan of improving Dalits Human Development index by 10%. Other members of the delegation, who spoke on the occasion were Ms. Durga Sob, Dalit women leader spoke, Mr. Lalbahadur Bishwakarma, ex-assistant minister of science and technology, and Mr. Keshman Pariyar of Samajat Samaj. CA members Ms Shanti Devi Chamar, and Mr. Shambhu Hajara Paswan addressed representing the Dalit CA members.

Responding to the issues and demands raised by the delegation, Finance Minister Mr. Pande stated that he is very positive and will leave no stone unturned to implement the provisions made in the budget. Responding on the issue of Samaj Bikas Hostel of Bijeswari, which was not mentioned in the demand paper but was raised during the interaction, The Finance Minister said, he had indeed put some budget for it in his earlier draft but due to some mistake it was removed, however, he assured that he will do needful to see how the problem can be addressed. He did not specifically respond to the demand of addressing the health issue as a result of recent outbreak of diarrhoea in mid and far western region.

The Minister Pande seemed very positive towards the idea of forming a high level committee in his chairmanship to monitor the implementation of budget. He stated that his ministry would do all that necessary, but at the same time it seemed apparently necessary to create necessary pressure to other ministries such as ministry of local development, physical planning and works (for the construction of houses for 3000 Terai Dalit families), ministry of health, education and even ministry of women and social welfare. He further suggested taking up the issue of forming Dalit parliamentarians’ committee to the speaker of the house Mr. Shubash Nembang. Regarding the formation of the high level budget monitoring committee, the Finance Minister suggested to approach the Prime Minister as well.

Addressing the issue of reservation in private sector, the Finance Minister and Secretary of Finance Ministry Mr. Krishnahari Baskota said, “The government has already initiated a scheme of giving tax incentive to private sector, if they adopt inclusive policy in their recruitment.” Again both minister and secretary reiterated to create necessary pressure to the private sector too.

It has to be seen now to what extent the interaction with Finance Minister will produce concrete results in the favour of Dalits, as Nepal has so many good policies but very bad track record when it comes to implementation, despite the meeting in itself should be regarded very successful. Above all the composition of delegation was praise worthy in itself as all top brass of the Dalit leaders from ruling political parties as well as civil society organizations were were well represented.

It was a pity to note that despite several invitations and follow up none of the media including the Nepal Television, which is just next door to the Finance Ministry covered such as important event of Dalits. This shows their bias and prompts for having alternative media of Dalits.

Report by:
Hira Vishwakarma
Kathmandu