What’s in Nepal Budget FY2016-17 for Dalits?
A new campaign on social media with hashtag #SaySorry has taken off to acknowledge the existing inequities in Madhes and pledge towards addressing it. See our post ‘We are Sorry’ Campaign toward Social Reform Movement in Madhes
Madhes needs social reform.I say sorry to Dalits,Muslims,Tharus,women.Take the pledge,join the campaign. pic.twitter.com/yIKr7AWDrK
— Prashant Jha (@prashantktm) June 8, 2016
Dalits are one of the most marginalized groups in Nepal. According to International Dalit Solidarity Network, that works to advocate for Dalit human rights and to raise awareness of Dalit issues nationally and internationally,
They [Dalits] are known to be ‘untouchable’ and subjected to so-called ‘untouchability practices’ in both public and private spheres. ‘Untouchables’ – known in South Asia as Dalits – are often forcibly assigned the most dirty, menial and hazardous jobs, and many are subjected to forced and bonded labour. Due to exclusion practiced by both state and non-state actors, they have limited access to resources, services and development, keeping most Dalits in severe poverty.
The Nepal’s budget for FY2016-17 has the following provisions for Dalits.
Urban Development
89. Under the Housing for People Program, I have allocated Rs.1.72 billion for the construction of
houses of additional 20,000 families of the Dalits, Deprived, Muslim, Chepang, Raute, Gandharba,
Badi, Bankaria, Surel, Thami including the poor and endangered communities.
Industrial Infrastructure: Basis for Production and Employment
182. In order to promote and modernize traditional skill and profession of Dalit community, I have
allocated budget to establish Bhagat Sarbajit Silpa Utthan and Bikash Kendra.
Easy Access and Quality Education
212. I have given the continuity to Day Meal Program for the students of Karnali zone and those who are
below the Human Development Index and belonging to other specified districts. Arrangements have
been made to provide free high level education in all subjects for Dalits and endangered community’s
children. For this purpose, motivational scholarship program will be introduced.
Environment
323. 25,000 solar lamps will be provided to the girls students of grade 10 from Dalit and endangered
community.
Cooperatives
339. Socially and economically marginalized, landless and deprived classes will be encouraged towards
cooperative farming. Traditional business of backward and Dalit people will be encouraged to
transform and promote modernization through cooperative organization.
The first step in addressing any social and economic inequities is acknowledgement. Then, it can proceed to action to remedy historical injustices and discrimination. Let us join hands to work together for this social reform movement in Madhes, Nepal.
