The Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security has released the draft Dalit Rights and Development Bill, 2083, seeking public feedback on legislation designed to strengthen the constitutional rights and socioeconomic inclusion of Dalit communities. According to a public notice issued on Bhadra 26, 2083 BS, the draft was prepared in accordance with Article 40 of Nepal’s Constitution and published for consultation under Section 6(2) of the Legislation Act, 2081. The proposed legislation aims to address longstanding discrimination and inequalities while ensuring proportional representation of Dalit communities in political parties, federal and provincial legislatures, local governments, public institutions and other sectors. The ministry invited citizens and stakeholders to submit their suggestions within 15 days of the notice’s publication through cordinationsec@mowcgss.gov.np or info@mowcgss.gov.np.

The bill proposes free education with scholarships from primary through higher education for Dalit students, including provisions covering textbooks, uniforms, accommodation, meals and other educational expenses. It also calls for scholarships in technical and vocational education, special educational support for students with disabilities and psychosocial counselling services. In healthcare, the draft proposes free treatment at government hospitals, free health insurance for extremely poor and marginalized Dalit communities, and medical assistance for disadvantaged individuals. Special provisions include free healthcare and nutritional support for Dalit women during pregnancy and the first 1,000 days, along with priority access to maternal and reproductive health services. The bill also outlines social protection measures for vulnerable children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single women and individuals displaced or endangered due to inter-caste marriages.

Another major provision concerns land and housing rights for landless Dalit families. The draft proposes identifying eligible households, distributing land suitable for settlement and livelihood activities, and providing housing assistance to families without adequate accommodation. It also includes provisions for joint ownership by women and men, subject to specified conditions. To strengthen economic opportunities, the bill proposes preserving traditional Dalit occupations, indigenous skills, knowledge and craftsmanship through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, concessional loans, grants and market access. Furthermore, it proposes establishing an autonomous National Dalit Development Authority, overseen by a council chaired by the Prime Minister, to coordinate development programs, monitor implementation and strengthen Dalit participation across government institutions.

The proposed legislation also introduces penalties for misuse of benefits and obstruction of rights guaranteed under the bill. Individuals obtaining benefits through false information could face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 300,000, or both, while those unlawfully providing reserved benefits to ineligible individuals could face up to three years in prison or a fine of Rs 200,000. Obstructing the exercise of rights under the proposed law could result in imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of Rs 100,000. The draft further prioritizes economically disadvantaged, marginalized and geographically isolated Dalit communities in the distribution of government services. The ministry’s public consultation was intended to gather recommendations before further legislative consideration, meaning the proposed provisions were not yet enacted into law at the time of publication.