Prime Minister Shah Calls for Change in Social Mindset to Eradicate Caste Discrimination and Untouchability

Prime Minister Balen Shah has urged everyone to create a socially conscious environment against discrimination on the occasion of the National Day for the Eradication of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability. While the constitution defines caste discrimination as a punishable offense, he emphasized that a positive change in society’s mindset, behavior, and culture is essential to completely eliminate it. The government is conducting a national campaign against untouchability while prioritizing the preservation of skills and income enhancement for the Dalit community.

Kathmandu, 4 June 2023 – Prime Minister Shah stated that it is a shared responsibility of all to foster a socially conscious and accountable atmosphere that upholds equality, respect, and human dignity in practice, and opposes discrimination. He conveyed this message in his greeting released on the occasion of the National Day for the Eradication of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability, 2083 BS (2023 AD).

Expressing deep respect for the longstanding social, cultural, and economic contributions of the Dalit community to the nation’s overall development, Prime Minister Shah said, “Legal provisions alone are insufficient to end caste discrimination and untouchability; effective eradication requires a positive transformation in society’s thinking, behavior, and culture.”

He also shared that the government is running a national campaign against untouchability and discrimination to build an egalitarian, civilized, and cultured society, prioritizing the preservation of traditional skills, income enhancement, and technological advancement of the Dalit community. Prime Minister Shah called on all Nepalis to unite and move forward together, adding, “I hope this national day inspires us to further strengthen the culture of social harmony and mutual respect.”