http://www.nepalnews.com/main/index.php/component/content/article/13-top-column/3960-will-new-constitution-bring-hope-for-dalits.htmlWill new constitution bring hope for Dalits?
The constitution can't be 'new' if it fails to address the issues of
Dalits. Still, there is fear that new constitution might well be like
'old wine in a new bottle'.
By Ramesh Sunam
It is still unsure whether Nepal's new constitution will be
promulgated within the stipulated time. However, issues to be
addressed by the new constitution are being debated across political
and academic circles. One of the major issues is how to address social
exclusion in the new statute. Despite its natural and cultural beauty,
the Himalayan country can be viewed as a case for discrimination based
on caste, gender, class, religion, culture and geographical location.
Of the various forms of discrimination, caste-based discrimination has
had broad social and economic implications in Nepalese society. No
part of the country is free from caste-based discrimination
(untouchability) though degree and nature of discrimination may vary.
Although there is controversy on the figure of Dalit population, 20
percent is quoted widely. If this is true, one in every five Nepalese
has to face discrimination everyday just being born into a Dalit
family. The constitution can't be 'new' if it fails to address the
issues of Dalits. Still, there is fear that new constitution might
well be like 'old wine in a new bottle'.
Dalits are far behind in vital national statistics. About 80 percent
of the Dalit population lives below poverty line. Literacy rate of
Dalit stands at 34 percent against the national average of 54 percent.
Their life expectancy is 51 years in contrast to the national average
of 59 years. Similarly, per capita income of Dalit is about US $40,
which is perhaps the lowest in the world. 23 percent of Dalit are
landless and 49 percent have less than 0.1 hectares of land. These
figures for Madhesi Dalit and Dalit women are shockingly low. These
facts depict the appalling situation of Dalits in Nepal. However, it
seems that Dalit wings of political parties and Dalit NGOs have not
given enough attention to the fundamental issues of Dalits. The
political parties are only concerned either about strengthening the
current government or toppling down it, outing the main task of
constitution making on the backburner.
A few inspiring initiatives have been taken by Dalit wings of
political parties and Dalit NGOs, for instance, formation of united
forum of Dalit wings of major political parties and setting common
Dalit agenda to be incorporated into the new constitution.
Nonetheless, they have failed to exert adequate pressure on the
political parties to insert those agenda in the new constitution. Some
reasons account for this. First, it appears that they can't go or not
have enough courage to go beyond party politics for Dalit cause.
Second, they are not confident that Dalit populace will support them
if they conduct political campaign. In the history of Nepal, the large
number of Dalit members (50) has been elected in the constituent
assembly. Dalit had hopes that they could put pressure to incorporate
Dalit agenda into the new constitution. In contrast, they have not
seen any difference between Dalit and non-Dalit CA members. It
reflects that only physical presence of Dalit can't guarantee their
influence.
In the case of Dalit NGOs, most NGOs by nature can hardly pursue
radical thoughts and actions. They more often tend to be vocal of
donor's agendas to tap the fund rather than the political agenda.
Besides, we have witnessed aggressive pressure on the government by
NGO activists, some wings of political parties and others when the
government had reduced MBBS quota for Dalit students. It doesn't mean
that I am against such campaign, but it can provide benefits just to a
handful of Dalit students. Vast majority of Dalit students are
deprived of basic education, why we can't run aggressive campaign for
free education to Dalit students from basic to university levels. It
supports the argument that urban-centric Dalit activists embrace
pro-rich Dalit agenda than the one that can be in the interest of the
majority of Dalit. By vision and mission Dalit NGOs and wings of
political parties have been formed to ensure Dalit rights, so all
Dalits will be blaming them, not the political parties in general.
Time is running out, so we don't have alternatives to them at the
moment. Hopes of Dalits to live with dignity, as equal citizens, are
still pinned on them. If so, what can be the way ahead?
There is no alternative to fresh Dalit movement with new vigour.
Learning from Janajati and Madesh movements, united forum of Dalit
wings of political parties should lead the movement. And Dalit NGOs
should assist them whole-heartedly, keeping aside their political
ideologies and donors' code of conduct. Even Dalit NGOs should be
ready to postpone implementation of some donor-funded projects because
this is not the moment to distribute goats and piglets to poor Dalit
families and provide training on savings as a means of livelihoods.
The united forum should also mobilise Dalit student organisations,
sister organisations of political parties for the cause. These are not
blueprints but can be food for thoughts to go ahead in order to
pressure the state to ensure Dalit rights. If Dalit fails to use this
time prudently they have to regret for several decades to come.
(The author can be reached at: ramesh.sunam@anu.edu.au This e-mail
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(Editor's Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of
Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their
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Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should
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