Caste-based discrimination should be ended: Home Minister

Minister for Home Affairs, Bal Krishna Khand, has said that it was necessary to encourage the creative class by ending the mentality of caste-based discrimination forever.

Receiving the 15-point declaration passed by a two-day second national conference on the role of people's representatives for the guarantee of Dalit rights, Home Minister clarified that the state is sensitive towards non-discrimination on the basis of caste and community in the diverse Nepali society.

He shared, "Protecting citizens' lives, maintaining co-existence and following rule of law is the first priority of the government."

Saying the state is serious in implementation of the provision as the constitution has ensured that there should not be any discrimination on the basis of any caste and community, Home Minister Khand opined, "The state is serious regarding there should not be a disparity in the society in course of celebrating religious and cultural festivals."

He stressed the need of removing the mentality of discrimination from society.

Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ek Narayan Pandey expressed the commitment of the Ministry not to allow discrimination in accessing services and facilities on the basis of caste.

Inspector-General of Police Shailesh Thapa informed about the process of investigation and legal action against incidents of caste discrimination. He said there is a need for social transformation for ending discrimination in society.

The programme was informed that directives have been issued for setting up the 'Help Desk' in police and the administration for protecting the rights of the people to access services without facing discrimination.

The delegation comprised of lawmakers of the Federal Parliament (House of Representatives and National Assembly) and the Province Assemblies, the mayors and deputy mayors as well as chiefs and deputy chiefs of the local levels. It was led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Meen Bishwokarma.

The memorandum, among other things, calls for the adoption of Dalit-friendly policies, programmes, and budget formulation. The memo was endorsed by the Convention.