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| ANNUAL REPORT |
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| NEPAL / DALITS |
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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.
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.
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Statistics (2002)
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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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