KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' announced that the forthcoming fiscal year's policy, program, and budget will include provisions for the institutional development of the Dalit Development Authority. This initiative aims to safeguard and advance the constitutional and legal rights of the Dalit community. Speaking at an interaction program titled ‘Declaration of Nation free of Untouchability: Opportunities, Implementation and Challenges,’ organized on the occasion of the National Day for Elimination of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability in Kathmandu, PM Prachanda reiterated the government's dedication to upholding the rights of Dalits.

PM Prachanda outlined several measures aimed at empowering the Dalit community, including initiatives such as scholarships for Dalit students pursuing technical education and the implementation of a Craft Entrepreneurship Program across all seven provinces. These programs aim to modernize and commercialize traditional skills, knowledge, and professions among Dalit communities, thereby promoting economic empowerment.

Emphasizing the importance of monitoring mechanisms to combat untouchability, PM Prachanda stressed the need for effective supervision of untouchability cases at all levels of government. He underscored the collective responsibility of the country and its agencies to address the inhumane oppression and cruelty faced by the Dalit community. PM Prachanda called for a proactive approach to ensure the effective implementation of constitutional rights for Dalits.

PM Prachanda made a special appeal to all levels of government, urging policymakers to include Dalit empowerment programs in their policies, programs, and budgets. He emphasized the imperative to effectively implement the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2068 (2011). PM Prachanda underscored the shared responsibility of all tiers of government in realizing the vision of an untouchability-free nation and called for concerted efforts towards this goal.