Panchthar Political parties and stakeholders here have issued a 10-point manifesto and made a collective commitment to end caste discrimination.
The manifesto was issued from a two-day workshop organized by Human Rights Forum Nepal, Ilam and coordinated by District Coordination Committee Panchthar in Fidim.
The workshop organized with the participation of Panchthar's local level representatives, representatives of political parties, security agencies, representatives of civil organizations, rights activists, Dalit community leaders, etc. aims to put an end to caste untouchability, discrimination and exclusion in a practical way.
All the local levels of the district have included in the manifesto to create a local Dalit rights act, strategy and policy, prepare a detailed objective description (profile) to make an objective plan for the Dalit community, and make a strategic plan for Dalit development for five years.
Likewise, by setting objective indicators and declaring the wards and municipalities untouchable in a phased manner, a Dalit responsive budget will be created for the economic, social, educational and political empowerment of the Dalit community.
Devendra Biswakarma, executive director of Human Rights Forum, informed that the issues mentioned in the manifesto include the provision of training, transfer of technology and grants, and the inclusion of racial equality, human rights and anti-untouchability in the local curriculum.
Similarly, taking a policy of zero tolerance in cases of caste discrimination and untouchability, providing speedy legal aid, encouraging inter-caste marriages, meaningful participation of Dalit youth and women in the decision-making structures of political parties, and continuous monitoring, review and dialogue for the implementation of the manifesto will be done.
Mohansingh Thebe, president of the platform informed that a clear roadmap has been created to end the discrimination by identifying the problems in the past as part of the joint campaign against caste discrimination. A joint campaign to end discrimination is being implemented in Ilam, Jhapa and Taplejung districts along with Panchthar of Koshi province.
Ramraj Angdembe, head of District Coordination Committee Panchthar, said that meaningful and concrete efforts will be made for the practical end of caste discrimination and untouchability from Panchthar. "We are trying to take a concrete initiative to practically implement what is specified by the constitution and laws of Nepal", Angdembe said, "Everyone agreed that caste discrimination and untouchability exist invisibly. Therefore, we will try to end it practically."
National News Committee is the official news organization of Nepal.
