PM Deuba pledges to ensure rights of indigenous nationalities

Kathmandu - Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed commitment on behalf of the government to protect the rights of indigenous nationalities.

The Constitution has guaranteed the rights of indigenous nationalities, Prime Minister Deuba said while addressing a programme organized here Wednesday by Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) on the occasion of the 23rd International Day of the World's Indigenous People.

 "The Constitution of Nepal has bestowed special rights to the indigenous nationalities. It is necessary to utilize and exercise these rights", PM Deuba added.

Nepal is a garden of multiple flowers, he said, adding Nepal has been a centre of attraction for the globe in terms of costumes, culture and language since it showcases the harmony of multiple ethnic groups. "Every ethnic group has its own distinct language, culture and costume. All these should be preserved for they are the identities of indigenous nationalities", the Prime Minister noted.

There have been special provisions for women, indigenous nationalities, Dalit and backward sections in the local elections, PM Deuba said while sharing that efforts are underway to translate the stated rights of all ethnic groups into actions.

On the occasion, indigenous nationalities' leaders demanded amendment to constitution as they have been scheduled as minority or other castes.

The Indigenous Nationality Day was marked with the slogan 'Stance of indigenous nationalities for rights, representation and self-rule; our collective campaign for constitution amendment for federalism with identity'.