Untouchability in Nepal and India

Untouchability is a practice that discriminates against people based on their skin color, their religious or social background, and their occupations. It is rooted in centuries-old societal beliefs and practices that determine identity and social status. In Nepal and India, caste-based discrimination remains a major challenge to human rights.

In Nepal, many untouchables remain trapped in their traditional caste occupations due to discrimination. Those with education are more likely to break out of this cycle. However, they often do not find employment in their preferred occupation.

Those who do not have enough money to support their families and children are also more likely to remain stuck in their vocations. They often resort to manual jobs that are dirtier than the professional ones. These jobs have a low income and a high degree of risk because they are prone to accidents, theft, and disease.

One of the reasons why so many Dalits do not get out of their traditional vocations is that they are often locked into them by their caste, which limits their choices and prevents them from developing new skills. This situation can be particularly harmful for women, who have to work multiple jobs to meet their family's needs and may be unable to afford a child care facility or a school for their children.

It is therefore essential to address the problems faced by untouchables in Nepal as soon as possible. To begin, the government should promote a range of programs designed to raise their living standards. These could include:

Improved access to basic education
Untouchables in Nepal are largely confined to rural areas and have little opportunity to attend college or receive professional training. The only formal educational opportunities available to them are in the field of traditional caste occupations. This means that they cannot pursue a career that requires advanced skills or experience, such as computer technology or law.

The lack of formal education prevents them from participating in political and community activities and, in some cases, can even lead to violence against them. In fact, the murder of six young Dalits in Nepal's midwestern region in May 2020 attracted worldwide attention and renewed the debate on caste prejudice.

Increased awareness of the problem and the resulting legal reforms have led to an increase in Dalit activism on a local, national, and international level. But the system is still flawed, and violence against Dalits continues.

There are many racial factors that feed the seed of untouchability in Nepal and India, including societal attitudes towards women, religious differences, illiteracy, and cultural traditions. Moreover, economic inequality and poverty are also significant obstacles.

To improve their lives, untouchables must be able to obtain the technical and business skills necessary to compete in the labor market. This requires a range of initiatives, including educating untouchables about business and financial management and facilitating cooperative savings groups.

Refrain from practicing the act of untouchability
As a result, it is important to discourage the practice of untouchability in Nepal and India. Among other things, a national campaign against the practice should be developed and publicized. It should also educate people about the dangers of untouchability.