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ANNUAL REPORT
Briefing Paper on Dalit Rights and Democracy Crisis in Nepal
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NEPAL / DALITS
WHO ARE DALITS?
In the Indian subcontinent there is a Caste system. This system divides the population into different groups. From top to bottom these groups are; Priestly castes, warrior castes, trading and artisan castes, and laboring and servant castes. There is one other group that has no caste standing, they are referred to as "untouchables" or "Dalits". They were called untouchable because even the sight of their shadow was thought to be polluting. Dalit Women's Training Traditionally each caste had a specific occupation, and they were not allowed to change this occupation. Priests were considered the most respectable where a Dalit leather worker was considered the most despicable.

Majority of Dalits are poor and deprived of their basic needs. Many do not have access to sufficient amounts of food, healthcare, housing and most importantly education. In many villages, Dalits live outside the main village and are prohibited from taking water from the village well, entering temples, or eating in public restaurants. Also, Dalit children are prohibited from entering and polluting schools.

Statistics (2002)
  Dalits in Nepal
Total Population 23.15 million 4 million
Literacy rate 58% 14% (Male 10%, Female 4%)
Health 50-55 years 40-45 years
Economic $290 per capita $39 per capita
Political - 1%
Media 98.67% (non Dalit) 1.19%

 
 
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