On April 16, 2025, a critical discussion was held in Kathmandu, bringing together 20 participants from parliament and civil society. Dr. Rojnath Pandey, Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, led the conversation, which focused on the progress of legal provisions for Dalit development and empowerment in Nepaly. However, it also highlighted the urgent need for a federal legislation to standardize policies across all provinces, ensuring uniform implementation in alignment with Article 40 of the Constitution. To address the existing gaps, a dedicated federal law for Dalit development is necessary.
Despite multiple laws being enacted to support Dalit empowerment, inconsistencies across provinces have hindered their effectiveness. One of the key gaps identified during the discussion was the limited scope of free education provisions, which only cover admission fees, monthly tuition, examination costs, and laboratory charges. In addition, institutional mechanisms, such as Dalit-specific units in police forces, local committees, and healthcare systems, require stronger enforcement. There are also significant provincial disparities in policies—such as in Karnali Province, where free education is provided but lacks alignment with other regions. This lack of an overarching federal law to synchronize Dalit development efforts remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, inadequate budget allocations at federal, provincial, and local levels continue to limit the effectiveness of existing programs.
Dalit development is closely linked to the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their effective implementation. It was emphasized that these goals must be reviewed through a caste-based lens, and the enactment of a federal law is essential to support this process. Additionally, the National Dalit Commission Act (2074) provides for the establishment of committees to address grievances and propose policy reforms. Nepal has also enacted 16 fundamental rights laws that address critical areas such as education, housing, employment, food sovereignty, public health, and the elimination of racial discrimination.
Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees various rights to Dalits, including proportional inclusion in state bodies and special arrangements for employment opportunities. Free education and scholarships are provided from primary to higher studies, along with health and social security coverage. Provisions are also in place for land grants to landless Dalits and legal arrangements for housing and welfare distribution, ensuring equitable access to state benefits. The need of federal law is required to enact these provisions.
As current policies do not fully address the empowerment of the Dalit community, implementing a specialized federal law is crucial to uphold constitutional provisions, eradicate caste-based discrimination, and foster social and economic upliftment. The participants in the discussion highlighted that the proposed legislation should cover key areas such as education, representation, social security, land rights, and economic development, ensuring alignment with Nepal’s broader social justice objectives. By adopting a unified approach, Nepal can establish lasting and effective pathways for Dalit inclusion and sustainable empowerment.