Dalit Rights in Election Manifestos: Promises Repeated, Actions Elusive

Kathmandu, Feb 20: With the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, political parties have released their manifestos, many reiterating commitments to Dalit rights. A total of 68 parties are contesting, and most have pledged to ensure Dalit representation and eliminate untouchability.

Major parties—including Nepali Congress (NC), CPN UML, Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)—have echoed slogans like “Dalit representation” and “end of untouchability,” largely recycling language from previous manifestos.

The NC, for example, stated in its resolution paper that “Dalit people will have representation in the party and state mechanisms along with social justice”—a pledge identical to its 2079 BS manifesto. Yet, the party had only five Dalit leaders in the dissolved HoR and no Dalit ministers. Similarly, past promises by UML and NCP did not translate into substantial Dalit representation in Parliament or Cabinet positions.

According to the Samata Foundation, a Dalit rights organisation, 17 Dalits have been killed since the enactment of the Caste Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment) Act, 2068 BS, for using public resources reserved for upper castes or marrying across castes—highlighting continued vulnerability despite repeated manifesto pledges.

Dalit rights campaigner Pampha Pariyar criticized the parties, saying, “It is contradictory to see Dalit rights repeatedly in manifestos but no meaningful action on the ground.”

Current representation remains limited: six Dalit leaders in the National Assembly, 16 in the dissolved HoR, and around 30 in provincial assemblies. Dalits account for 13.4% of the population, but remain underrepresented in civil service (2.11%) and judiciary (1%). Around 42% live below the poverty line, underscoring the gap between political promises and reality.

Observers say the upcoming election presents an opportunity for parties to move beyond rhetoric and translate pledges on Dalit rights into tangible action. The question remains: Are the parties ready to act?