Constitution Mandates Land Provision, Yet Landless Dalits Lack Even Shelter

The government’s demolition of squatter settlements with bulldozers has left landless Dalits displaced, as they have been provided neither land nor shelter. According to Article 40 of the Constitution, land and housing should be provided to landless Dalits, but this provision has not been implemented. The government has announced a reform program with an apology to the Dalit community. Kathmandu, 18 Baisakh.

“No one has given us rooms because we are Dalits. Where can we find shelter?” said Laxmi Pariyar, met at the squatter settlement in Gothatar (Love Danda). Having lived in the Tripureshwor squatter settlement for 22 years, she moved to Gothatar after the bulldozers razed her previous settlement. At Gothatar, where she lives with her daughter’s family, Laxmi has been searching for a room to rent. Even her daughter’s home feels like a transient place for her.

“I’ve stored our belongings in a scrap yard while looking for a room. No one has given us shelter because we are Dalits. My daughter needs to study, but she can’t attend school,” she lamented. Her family includes 7–8 members. They could not find accommodation in Tripureshwor nor in Gothatar. This is not Laxmi’s only problem; others displaced by previous demolitions and now residing at the Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Ashram in Kirtipur are also searching for rooms.

“They did not provide rooms to us because we are Dalits and squatters. It would have been good if my children could attend school,” said Sukumaya Bishwakarma, who, after failing to find a room near Thankune, sought refuge at the Kirtipur Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Ashram. “I have been unable to find a room for three days. If I had even one, I could have sent my son and daughter to school,” she added.

The Constitution stipulates that land must be provided at least once to landless Dalits. Article 24 addresses rights against untouchability and discrimination. However, landless Dalits face double challenges. Their homes, long established, were demolished by bulldozers, yet they remain without shelter due to discrimination. Currently, 98,502 landless Dalit families have applied to the Land Problem Resolution Commission, established to provide land and organize unregulated settlements for landless Dalits and squatters. The government has announced a reform program, including an apology, to introduce 100 reform initiatives involving the Dalit community in governance reform.