Unveiling the Veil: Cast Discrimination and Human Rights in Karnali Province

Writer: Sneha Nepal

Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Karnali Province in Nepal boasts breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. However, beneath this picturesque facade, a pervasive issue plagues its societal fabric: caste discrimination. The region, despite progress, grapples with deep-rooted prejudices that impede the realization of fundamental human rights for many of its inhabitants.

Caste Discrimination: An Ongoing Battle

For centuries, Nepal has been stratified by a rigid caste system, with the marginalized groups often subjected to discrimination in various spheres of life. In Karnali Province, this discrimination manifests itself in numerous ways, from limited access to education and healthcare to exclusion from economic opportunities. 

The Dalits often referred to as the ‘untouchables,’ face severe discrimination. They endure social segregation, restricted access to resources, and discrimination in employment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization. Instances of Dalit individuals being denied entry to public places, facing violence, or being allocated menial jobs due to their caste are not uncommon.

The practices of untouchability and caste-based discrimination still exist in Nepal despite enactment of laws to end the practice. There have also been state level efforts to increase representation of Dalit’s in different state agencies through reservations of opportunities. But state efforts have still fallen short particularly in terms of increasing public awareness and effectively ending caste-based discrimination in the rural areas. A report on the name on 62-yearold Kabiram Kami’s, Dailek, Bhawatomai, Rural-Municiplaity-3, citizenship certificate written down by a government official issuing the document as Kukur Kami (Here, kukur translates to ‘Dog’ in English) first appeared on INSEC online17 and was later picked up by various media. The citizenship had been issued on 21 May, 1986 at Meheltoli, Bhagawati Rural Municipality of Dailekh. Following public outcry, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice on 8 August saying that a person with a derogative name on vital documents – a dog is one such name in Nepal – can amend it if so desired, and a request to not issue identification certificates under derogative names. 

The humiliating and degrading practice of untouchability still exists despite the declaration of untouchability free country by the new constitution. Dalits’ low social status is attributed to their confinement to menial work and the exacting caste-based discrimination against them.

Rural area in Nepal identity formation amongst the Dalits of Karnali takes place at multiple levels and scales. Also, despite suffering common caste based discrimination like Dalits in other parts of Nepal. Dalits living in Karnali were extremely poor and uneducated communities partly because of they did not necessarily share a distinct race, income, language, culture, cast untouchability discrimination. They were also divided by numerous characteristics including religion, caste, gender, language, region and low livelihood position and professional sector. Some members supported the use of the word, whilst others considered it to be patronizing and considered that it should not be used to indicate oppressed ethnic groups.

Human Right Status in Province

Out of 79 local levels in Karnali, INSEC documented zero victims of human rights violations and abuses in nine local levels and 38 victims (highest in the province). There were 10, 01,282 registered voters in the local-level elections, among which 4, 95,099 individuals were female voters. Out of 79 local levels in Karnali province, women candidates were elected as mayor of one municipality, chairperson of one rural municipality, deputy mayor of Birendranagar Municipality. There were approximately 1 to 10 victims of human rights violations and abuses at 56 local levels, close to 11-20 victims at 11 local levels, 21-29 victims at two local levels, and more than 30 victims at one of them. INSEC recorded a total of 33 victims of human rights violations and 463 of human rights abuses in Karnali this year. Among them, 211 were the victims of women’s rights violations and 80 were the victims of child rights violations.

Major Reason: Lack of Education and Poor Financial Condition

One of the most significant consequences of caste discrimination is the denial of basic human rights. Members of lower castes often face exclusion from education, limited employment opportunities, and restricted access to healthcare. This exclusion perpetuates a cycle of poverty, hindering social mobility and perpetuating systemic inequality.

Education, considered a beacon of hope for societal progress, is marred by caste biases. Discrimination manifests in schools through social ostracization, unequal treatment by teachers, and limited educational resources for marginalized castes. Consequently, many children from these communities are deprived of a quality education, impeding their prospects for a better future.

The economic landscape in Karnali Province mirrors the social divide. Employment opportunities favor those from higher castes, leaving marginalized communities trapped in menial and low-paying jobs. This economic disparity further exacerbates social inequality, widening the gap between different castes. 

Healthcare, another fundamental right, is marred by caste discrimination. Members of lower castes often encounter prejudice and neglect in healthcare settings, leading to inadequate treatment or denial of services. This disparity in access to healthcare perpetuates a cycle of illness and poverty among marginalized communities.

From this article we come up to the conclusion that Dalits in the Karnali region are found to be extremely marginalized in political, socio-cultural sectors. Hence the Kamis were skilled blacksmiths and Sarkis had owned the craft of leather goods. Similarly, Damais had possessed rich identity in music, dance and tailoring. Dalits were the producers of local goods and had their rituals and dress styles. Though the country had been restructured into provinces along the centre in Kathmandu where most of the administrative decisions and the strategic decision are made. Large number of population is still residing in the cities. In the case of Karnali, significant population was lives in villages which were ultra-remote with no basic services. All the five districts i.e. Humla, Jumla, Mugu, Kalikot and Dolpa under the Karnali province were in previous zone and well known as the remotest part of the country. Dalit communities were historically suffered and disadvantage in the name of cultural discrimination, caste based discrimination and economically deprived.

The communities living in the rural village of Karnali seemed self-reliant on their traditional occupations and further they were also advanced in education and were quite aware to raise their voices about their rights. Caste-based discrimination was the strong factor in Karnali especially in the rural villages. Comparing to other parts of the country, Karnali is still in high rank for the caste and gender based discrimination so that there is incident of inhuman behaviors as Dalit lost their peaceful lives on the basis of untouchability issues by so call upper castes. Hence the state needs to come up with genuine strategies to empower the Dalit’s of Karnali. 

Karnali Province’s beauty extends beyond its landscapes; its true beauty lies in the unity that emerges from embracing diversity and eradicating the divisive shackles of caste discrimination. As the province navigates towards progress, it must ensure that no individual is left behind, fostering a future where every citizen is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their caste or social standing.