Minister Vadi Pledges Legal Reforms to End Caste Discrimination

Kathmandu. Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Social Security Sita Vadi has expressed commitment to amend and revise existing laws and regulations to end caste discrimination and untouchability.

Addressing a program organized by the National Dalit Commission in Lalitpur on Thursday on the occasion of the National Day for Eradication of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability, Minister Vadi stated that remnants of discrimination and violence still remain in society.

She expressed concern that while direct discrimination has changed its form, violence against the Dalit community is now occurring indirectly and through digital means. She also informed that the government is conducting necessary studies and reviews to address the problems seen in the implementation of available constitutional and legal provisions.

Interpreting social justice as a fundamental issue of democracy, Minister Vadi mentioned that society cannot be made humane and civilized without ending untouchability. Minister Vadi clarified that her ministry has given high priority to the upliftment, empowerment, and development of Dalits, extremely marginalized, and backward communities.

She stated that the ministry is continuously working to ensure social security, education, health, and employment for Dalit women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Informing that the issue of socio-economic transformation of the Dalit community has also been included in the administrative reform action plan issued by the government, Minister Vadi emphasized that all bodies of the state must play a responsible role in ending discrimination.

She said, "However, such discrimination and violence have not yet ended in society. While the form of direct discrimination has changed, indirect discrimination and violence against Dalits are still happening. Discrimination that used to be physical has now reached the digital space. To end such discrimination and violence, it is necessary to make all state bodies responsible and accountable on one hand, and on the other hand, it is also necessary to amend and revise existing laws, regulations, and policies. We will move forward with your cooperation in amending necessary laws, transforming policy arrangements, and enacting new laws as needed to end untouchability, discrimination, violence, and insult."

She also mentioned that ending such social crimes is the responsibility of all conscious citizens.