This Working Paper “Caste Based Discrimination in Nepal” has been taken out from a report on Caste Based Discrimination in South Asia. Drawn from the country report of Nepal, the paper provides insights to a number of historical markers that have been responsible for re-structuring of the State including the practice of caste-based discrimination and untouchability against Dalits in Nepal. This study prominently draws attention to the diverse nature of Dalit population which has to a greater extent revealed the in-depth nature of regional, linguistic, religious, and cultural, gender and class-based discrimination and exclusion. It further provides a detailed study of Constitutional provisions and policies with prior focus on historical discourses and present situation simultaneously; complementing the role of civil society organisations. This foregrounds the study in historical context and also draws relevance in the contemporary scenario; which serves an important indicator to draw new and realistic policies. Discrimination is practiced widely in all spheres and at instances takes violent forms. The study however advocates that Caste-based discrimination, including untouchability, could be eliminated by synchronic concerted efforts from the existing operators in Constitutional, political and cultural matrix.

Caste-based Discrimination in Nepal (Click at this hyperlink to down this report)

Working Paper Series. Vol. 3, No. 8, 2009.

Authors: Krishna B. Bhattachan, Tej B. Sunar and Yasso Kanti Bhattachan (Gauchan)

Edited by: Shukhadeo Thora and Surender S Jodhka

Published by: Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, New Delhi.