Dalit Representatives in Karnali Present 11-Point Demand Letter to Minister Bhandari

The Karnali province-level Dalit executive members’ gathering presented an 11-point demand and suggestion letter to Social Development Minister Ghanshyam Bhandari. The event, organized by the Local Level Dalit Representatives Association Nepal, was held in Birendranagar, during which Minister Bhandari expressed his commitment to make special provisions for the Dalit community in the upcoming fiscal year’s policies, programs, and budget.

The gathering elected a 21-member Karnali Province provisional committee under the coordination of Lilamati Bik. Chief Guest Minister Bhandari stated that the Karnali provincial government is continuously striving to address issues faced by the Dalit community. He clearly affirmed that the provincial government would fully cooperate in this mission to uphold the rights and development of the Dalit population.

Constituent Assembly member and former Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Sita Nepali, recalled her role in ensuring mandatory representation of Dalits and Dalit women during the constitution drafting process. The 11-point demand letter calls for the formulation and implementation of Dalit-friendly budgets, policies, and programs within Karnali province; enforcement of the compulsory and free education act, 2075 BS, to fully implement free education; and the establishment of a scholarship fund for higher education.

The gathering formed the 21-member provisional committee with Mohan Sunar and Gyansing Bik appointed as co-coordinators. Dipak Bishwakarma, central president of the association, shared that this campaign will be extended across all seven provinces to train Dalit representatives in formulating Dalit-friendly policies, programs, and budgets.