KATHMANDU: Reema Bishwakarma has urged the government to prioritize budget allocation for the upliftment of the Dalit community and ensure justice for marginalized groups.
Speaking during Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker said the government must pay special attention to protecting the rights and welfare of Dalits.
Bishwakarma also expressed concern over the growing number of deaths in police custody, accusing the government of failing to take the issue seriously.
Citing data from Informal Sector Service Centre, she said 88 people died in custody over the past year alone, with 52 percent belonging to Dalit and marginalized communities. According to her, 56 percent of those deaths were classified as suicides.
Referring to the death of Shreekrishna Bik, Bishwakarma questioned the repeated labeling of custodial deaths as suicides, saying such classifications should not be accepted as normal without proper investigation.
She urged the government not to delay justice for victims and called for Dalit issues to be given priority in both policy implementation and budget distribution, in line with the commitments made in state policies and election pledges.
The lawmaker further stressed the need for the government to intensify efforts aimed at promoting the welfare and advancement of the Dalit community.
