न्यूज अभियान
हरेक खबर विशेष खबर

Kathmandu, Aug 13: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, has said the government had designed a bill to enforce the fundamental rights of Dalit community. The 'bill relating to Dalits' rights and development' was formulated in line with Article 40 of the Constitution, she added.

In response to the queries raised by the lawmakers at National Assembly on Thursday, Minister Gautam informed that even a committee including subject experts was formed to forward the process as per Legislation Act, 2081. The Minister was furnishing response on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

She reminded that the government had announced progressive schemes including a formal apology to the Dalit community in point no 5 of 100-point Action Plan on governance reform unveiled on March 27. The government is always for the rights and development of Dalit community, the Minister added.

The bill has aimed at ensuring Dalit community's protection, promotion, empowerment and social justice, thereby increasing their access to and participation in every state mechanism, according to her. She further elaborated that the bill had incorporated the social and economic rights of Dalit community. Under these rights, the issues like Dalit's health, social security, protection of traditional occupation and just distribution of land and housing are given priority.

The social security system would be made further systematic and the nutritional allowance for Dalit children doubled across the country. Dalit-focused investment is also in the list, according to her.

The Dalit, landless and those residing in the unorganized settlements would be provided lands within this fiscal year, the Minister said, adding that the indigenous skills of Dalit community would be protected and model housing developed targeting the Dalits from Madhes, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.