Ravi Lamichhane: Should the Apology to the Dalit Community Come from the Party or the State?
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Ravi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and newly elected Member of Parliament, has apologized to the Dalit community during his first address in the House of Representatives for the discrimination they have faced. While this apology has been welcomed as a positive step, some Dalit rights activists and scholars emphasize that it should not be considered a formal state apology.
In Thursday’s parliamentary session, MP Lamichhane stated that the apology was given “on behalf of the entire party, Prime Minister [Balendra Shah], and the government” to the Dalit community.
The party’s election manifesto included a commitment to apologize to the Dalit community in the first address by the leader of the new government. According to the government’s 100-day working plan, “a formal state apology will be issued within 15 days and transformative programs will be announced.”
“He also mentioned that a formal state apology would be issued. The apology by the party leader represents the party’s commitment but is not the state’s official apology,” said Man Bahadur Bishwakarma, former Secretary of the Nepal government and a scholar. “A formal state apology is usually issued by the Head of State—the President—though the Prime Minister can recommend it.”
“The Prime Minister must bring a motion in Parliament, it must be discussed and passed, then the President has to issue the apology via an address in the Parliament or a public statement. Unless published in the government gazette, it cannot be regarded as an apology issued on behalf of the state,” he added.
Similarly, Dalit rights activist Bhola Paswan expressed skepticism about the apology process, stating, “The apology process feels insufficient.”
“The 100-day plan explicitly mentions ‘state apology’. Mr. Ravi spoke on behalf of his party. While Balendra leads the government, the state must follow the correct procedure.”
Regarding the possibility of advancing the apology process within 15 days, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s press coordinator, Surendra Banjgain, said, “We will find out and provide information.” However, no updates have since been issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
What Kind of Reform Programs Will Follow?
Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Khagendra Sunar also expressed uncertainty regarding other programs related to the state’s apology.
“Clear information has not yet been provided about what the Prime Minister plans to do, but we are discussing measures that should begin within 15 days,” Sunar said.
Sunar outlined three primary focus areas currently under discussion.
“First, implementation of legislation and drafting necessary laws,” he clarified. “Second, resource allocation including Dalit-friendly budgeting and policy implementation. Third, addressing the livelihood and daily needs of the Dalit community.”
“We are advising the Prime Minister on reparative measures for the damages the Dalit community has suffered in the past. The final method on how to honor their dignity remains to be decided, but discussions continue.”
The Cabinet recently approved a 100-day good governance reform plan that requires announcing reform programs within 15 days.
“The plan acknowledges the injustices, discrimination, and denial of opportunities historically faced by Dalits and other marginalized communities by the state, society, and policy structures. It stipulates the formal state apology and announcement of reform programs within 15 days, which will lay a foundation for social justice, inclusive restoration, and historical reconciliation.”
“We haven’t had extensive discussions with the government yet, but we feel the need to offer suggestions for the reform programs and have prepared some summaries. We are now in the process of drafting them.”
Expectations of the Dalit Community
Many Dalit rights activists and scholars note that this kind of formal apology has not been seen before in Nepal and thus it should be regarded as a positive development.
“But the main issue remains the implementation. Many past programs have failed due to lack of political commitment. For example, in 2006 (2063 BS), a ‘Caste Discrimination-Free Nation’ was declared but little was done afterwards,” said former Secretary Bishwakarma. “This time, the government has announced programs along with the apology, which builds expectation.”
“First, relevant laws need to be drafted and enforced, caste discrimination surveys conducted, and reparations arranged. International agreements should be fully respected, where there was some leniency in the past. Both short- and long-term plans must be made.”
Activist Paswan added, “Many problems will become easier once the state fulfills its commitments.”
“The parliamentary resolution passed in 2022 (2079 BS) clearly outlined the plan through 2028 (2085 BS). This must be implemented. The Constitutional Commission must also be empowered. Likewise, establishing an independent body to ensure all laws are enforced appropriately is necessary,” he said.
“Since the Rastriya Swatantra Party won through Dalit electoral inclusion, the party must focus on Dalit issues, otherwise the difference in approach would have been noticeable. We are hopeful but cautious about implementation.”
Renu Sijapat, General Secretary of the Dalit Women Federation (FEDO), noted that the community is awaiting the government’s forthcoming roadmap.
“It is time to bring policies, programs, and budgets. This is an appropriate moment, and we are hopeful,” she said. “The government is now led by a new generation. This new generation appears committed to combating social injustice, discrimination, and exploitation.”
“Apologies alone are not enough. Concrete steps, laws, and policy implementation are necessary. We are discussing these issues and preparing to submit written recommendations to the government from civil society soon.”