Caste-Based Mentality Within Singha Durbar Hinders Dalit Surname Enumeration Process

Kathmandu – The National Dalit Commission has identified the mindset and attitudes of high-ranking officials as the primary reason for the prolonged delay in the enumeration of Dalit community surnames. Despite the government having recommended the surname enumeration process seven times, the work remains incomplete, the commission expressed.

During an interview program coordinated by the Active Dalit Journalists Association Nepal with the National Dalit Commission, Chairman Devaraj Bishwakarma revealed that internal resistance within Singha Durbar has created obstacles that affected the process. However, he added that the process is now moving forward positively and the government is expected to make a decision soon.

Secretary of the commission, Jhanak Kumar Khatri, informed that since 2020 (2077 BS), the commission has prioritized the surname enumeration process and has been working continuously on it. He stated that as of Jestha 26, the commission had formally recommended the matter to the government seven times. Initially, the issue was under the Ministry of General Administration but has now been transferred to the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender, Sexual Minorities, and Social Security, which is why the government’s prompt decision is anticipated.

Chairman Bishwakarma also noted that out of the 62 complaints received by the commission, the majority have been resolved. While refraining from commenting on cases currently under judicial review, the commission has drawn the attention of concerned authorities to necessary incidents. According to him, the complaints were not only submitted in writing but also via telephone, social media, and news reports, all of which the commission treats as official complaints and initiates investigation and action accordingly. He highlighted that 11 Dalits have died under unusual circumstances this year, and the commission is seriously addressing these cases.

Since its establishment, the commission claims a reduction of nearly 50 percent in caste-based discrimination incidents. Member Mehal Parki shared that extensive recommendations relating to Dalit community rights were submitted to the government concerning constitutional amendments. She expressed her belief that implementing these suggestions will further secure the constitutional rights of the Dalit community. Member Meena Sob additionally informed that commission officials recently conducted on-site monitoring in various Dalit settlements and set a goal to complete the enumeration process within the current term.

During the program, commission officials reported their ongoing role in coordinating with the government and applying pressure to safeguard Dalit community rights, access to justice, control caste-based discrimination, and promote legal reforms.