Nita Ghatani Highlights Ongoing Untouchability Practices in Nepal

Kathmandu — Member of Parliament Nita Ghatani has urged the government to address the ongoing discrimination and exclusion faced by the Dalit community.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, she mentioned that Deepa Nepali has been staging a peaceful protest at Maitighar Mandala for the past 31 days. Ghatani said the issue is not just about a room, but represents the long-standing oppression, discrimination, and social exclusion imposed on the Dalit community for years.

She said, “Today marks 31 days since Deepa Nepali began her sit-in protest at Maitighar Mandala. This is not only about a room; it reflects the years of restrictions, discrimination, and exclusion faced by the Dalit community.”

Ghatani also stated that equal opportunities, respect, and access for the Dalit community are still lacking in the country.

“We included equality, social justice, and Dalit rights in the Constitution, and Nepal was declared a caste discrimination-free nation. However, in practice, society still behaves differently,” she said.

She added that despite Nepal being declared free from untouchability, discriminatory behavior still continues in society.