Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the urgent need to eradicate racial discrimination and untouchability to build an equitable society. In his message on the occasion of the National Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Untouchability, President Paudel stated that these discriminatory practices are significant barriers to national prosperity. He expressed hope that the day would inspire everyone to actively work towards ending these injustices.

President Paudel wished peace, prosperity, and happiness to all Nepalis on this significant day. He stressed the necessity for positive changes in traditional and social thoughts, styles, and customs to foster unity, harmony, and goodwill among diverse communities. The President highlighted that economic disparity, conservative thoughts, backwardness, and ignorance are the root causes of racial discrimination and untouchability, labeling them as social and moral blots and crimes.

He urged all concerned parties, including the three tiers of government, political parties, civil society, and the media, to be vigilant and proactive in completely eliminating racial discrimination and untouchability. Nepal was declared a country free of racial discrimination and untouchability on Jestha 21, 2066 BS.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also addressed the nation, appealing to all state bodies to effectively implement laws and policies aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and untouchability. In his message, PM Dahal reminded the need for responsibility across all levels of government to enforce these laws. He specifically urged governments to include Dalit empowerment programs in their policies, programs, and budgets and to rigorously enforce anti-discrimination laws.

The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity for Dalit communities to receive prior rights to compensation and to be guaranteed their socioeconomic and cultural rights without obstacles. He mentioned that the state has adopted a policy of positive discrimination and has launched schemes like the Dalit Development Authority within government policies and programs. He also emphasized that Dalit campaigns should continue to monitor state activities to ensure their struggle for justice is realized soon.