Access to Social Services for Dalits in Nepal: An Analytical Study

This paper analyses the access of Dalits to basic social services, education, health care, and livelihood opportunities in the Tarai region of Nepal. Caste-based hierarchy and the historic stigma of “untouchability” have continued to produce an eternal structural discrimination and exclusionary practice against Dalit groups, despite constitutional provisions and government initiatives since 1991. Adopting a qualitative methodology, such as semi-structured interviews of Dalits, leaders, and non-Dalits, this research reveals significant gaps in the efficiency of state provisions as well as a lack of knowledge of social security schemes among Dalits. While enrolment has increased, the findings show Dalits continue to suffer from social ostracism inside educational institutions and health centres. The paper finds that any positive advancement towards social inclusion and justice for the Dalit community in Nepal shall only be achieved when institutional and systemic socio-economic deep-seated barriers are addressed, complementing the enhancement of legal frameworks and community engagement.