Jhapa, 9 May, 2026  

The Minister of State for Law in Koshi Province, Umakant Gautam, stated that the role of local government is most crucial in ending caste-based discrimination and untouchability, as well as in maintaining social justice. Highlighting that physical development alone cannot achieve social justice, he emphasized the need for policy and legal reforms to ensure the rights of the Dalit community.

Minister of State Gautam shared these remarks while addressing the closing session of a two-day district-level joint workshop in Birtamode as the chief guest. On the same occasion, representatives from all 15 local levels of Jhapa district committed to enacting a local Dalit Rights Act, forming a Dalit Rights Committee, and effectively implementing the act.

Local representatives including the stakeholders and leaders made this joint commitment through the 'Jhapa Commitment Paper' issued on Sunday following the workshop. The event was organized by Human Rights Forum (HURF) Nepal Ilam, supported by Misereor Germany, and held in coordination with the District Coordination Committee, Jhapa.

Organized under the project "Solidarity for Ensuring Dignity: Collective Effort Against Discrimination Through Policy Awareness at the Local Level," local representatives also agreed to formulate and implement a five-year local Dalit development strategic plan based on local needs.

The issued commitment paper mentions that policies, plans, Dalit responsive budgets, and programs will be effectively implemented for the protection of rights, elimination of caste discrimination, and empowerment of the Dalit community. Additionally, it states that continuous coordination and collaboration will be maintained with the Koshi Provincial Government, District Coordination Committee, media, and civil society, while ensuring regular monitoring, review, and active participation of the Dalit community.

Chaired by Mohan Singh Thebe, Chairperson of Human Rights Forum Nepal, the opening session was held with National Assembly Member Somnath Portel as the chief guest and Provincial Assembly Member Kamala Darnal as the special guest. The closing session, organized under the chief guestship of Minister of State Umakanta Gautam, was attended by Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal, Superintendent of Police Basundhara Khadka, political leaders, journalists, and human rights activists. The participating representatives expressed solidarity in prioritizing Dalit rights and issues in their upcoming policies, budgets, and programs.