The Dalit rights activists and political leaders have urged the government to bring an integrated law relating to Dalit rights.
The law should be brought to enforce the fundamental right (Article 40) enshrined in the constitution, they stressed.
The speakers complained that although it was stated that the fundamental rights could be enforced with new laws within three years of the new constitution- 2015, ten years have passed since the promulgation of the constitution without a law on Dalit rights.
They were speaking at a programme organised by the Federation of Dalit Women Organisations in Kathmandu on Saturday.
The Nepali Congress leader and former minister, Min Bishwokarma, said adequate discussion among the political leaders, lawmakers, civil society members, and experts could be helpful to prepare a draft law on Dalit rights.
House of Representatives member and former minister of state, Sushila Shreepali Thakuri, viewed if all political parties failed to extend cooperation, it would be difficult to bring the integrated law on Dalit rights.
Vice Chairperson of the Nepal Samajbadi Party, Durga Sob, said it was worrying to not have a law on Dalit rights despite passage of a decade since new constitution. Additional seriousness among political parties is essential to this end, according to her.
Various other leaders including House of Representatives member Ranendra Baraili, Harka Maya BK, National Assembly member Padam Pariyar, and Ranu Sijapati expressed worry over sheer delay in lawmaking for the elevation of the life standard of Dalit community.
Source: Radio Nepal Online
