Nepal's Government Fails to Deliver on Dalit Apology Pledge Amidst Cabinet Diversity Concerns

Kathmandu. The government led by Balendra (Balen) Shah, a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), had pledged to announce a reformative program within 15 days through its 100-point agenda, including an apology to Dalit and historically marginalized communities. However, no formal announcement has been made even a month after the government was formed. This point was included in the governance reform agenda published by the government on Chaitra 14.

'Formally acknowledging the injustices, discrimination, and deprivation of opportunities faced by Dalit and historically marginalized communities from the state, society, and policy structures, and announcing a reformative program with a formal apology from the state within 15 days to lay the foundation for social justice, inclusive rehabilitation, and historical reconciliation,' the agenda stated in point number 5.

When contacted for information on the progress made so far on this matter, government spokespersons, the Prime Minister's Secretariat, and cabinet members could not provide a clear response. However, during the first meeting of Parliament on Chaitra 12, RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane had apologized on behalf of the party.

The cabinet expanded by Prime Minister Balen on Chaitra 13, 27, and Baisakh 9 is small, efficient, and more inclusive compared to the past. To reduce unnecessary financial burdens on the state, Prime Minister Balen has reduced the 25-member cabinet to 17 members.

The cabinet includes all communities except the Muslim community in terms of inclusivity. The largest representation in the cabinet is from the Khas Arya community at 53.33 percent. Women's participation is 35.29 percent.

Similarly, Madhesi representation is 23.53 percent, Janajati 13.33 percent, and Tharu and Dalit communities have 6.66 percent representation. The presence of the Muslim community is zero.

According to Section 28(5) of the House of Representatives Election Act, 2074, political parties, while preparing the closed list of candidates, must ensure representation of Dalit, Indigenous Janajati, Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu, and Muslim communities based on population, in accordance with the inclusive principles mentioned in Schedule-1, considering geographical and regional balance.

Schedule-1 of the said Act stipulates that the closed list should include Khas Arya at 31.2 percent, Janajati at 28.7 percent, Madhesi at 15.3 percent, Dalit at 13.8 percent, Tharu at 6.6 percent, and Muslim at 4.4 percent.

However, the party's secretariat recently expanded by RSP has no representation from the Dalit community. Despite Chairman Rabi Lamichhane formally apologizing in Parliament, the Dalit community has not been included in the secretariat.

The RSP's central committee meeting on Baisakh 7 nominated Bhupadev Shah as General Secretary and Sagar Dhakal and Sarita Shree Gyawali as Secretariat members.

In the 16-member secretariat, Rabi Lamichhane is the Chairman, Swarnim Wagle is the Vice-Chairman, Kabhindra Burlakoti and Bhupadev Shah are General Secretaries, Bipin Acharya is Joint General Secretary, Lima Adhikari is Treasurer, Basu Maya Tamang is Joint Treasurer, and Manish Jha is the Spokesperson.

Similarly, the secretariat members include Ganesh Parajuli, Deepak Bohara, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Shishir Khanal, Sobita Gautam, Hari Dhakal, Sagar Dhakal, and Sarita Shree Gyawali.

In terms of inclusivity, Khas Arya constitutes the largest group at 81.25 percent. Women represent 25 percent, Indigenous Janajati 12.5 percent, and Madhesi 6.25 percent. The secretariat has zero representation from Dalit, Muslim, and Tharu communities.

बालेन सरकारको एक महिना : शासकीय सुधार सम्बन्धी १०० बुँदामध्ये कति भए पूरा ?