Nepaldalitinfo special release

Kathmandu, October 29- The government of Nepal through its recent cabinet decision has approved only a meagre Rs. one Lac towards medical assistance of former lawmaker Mr. Man Bahadur Bishwakarma, who is in urgent need of kidney transplant operation that costs a minimum of Rs. ten Lacs. Mr. Bishwakarma, a national hero and one of the most revered leaders from Dalit community of Nepal is ailing and is undergoing regular dialysis procedure due to failure of both of his kidneys. There are numerous instances of many political leaders, who are local to national in stature but are of non-dalit caste, are being fully funded from the government coffer for their medical care provided within the country as well as abroad on regular basis. But, the government is downplaying with the much needed urgent health care that Mr. Bishwakarma deserves, given the contribution he had made to the society through his struggle for Dalit rights in the country. This differential decision on his health care given to him by the current government despite all national dalit leaders demanding unitedly for his full medical care by the government is viewed by the Dalit community, its leaders and civil society, as a case of gross neglect and blatant caste discrimination against him as well as the whole community itself. The community leaders and members of civil society are demanding the government to reconsider its decision and cover the full cost of kidney transplant for him, respecting the sentiment of whole dalit community that makes up at least 15% of the total population of Nepal.

Report by:
Bhakti Nepal