English - Support to Participatory Constitution Building in Nepal ...

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND 

NATION BUILDING IN NEPAL 

Abstract of Researches Supported by 

Social Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF) 

Social Inclusion Research Fund 

February, 2009 

Social Inclusion Research Fund 233

Published By: 


Bakhundole, Lalitpur 

P.O.Box 1966, Kathmandu, Nepal 

Telephone: +977-[0]1-5523444 

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Email: info@socialinclusion.org.np 

Website: www.socialinclusion.org.np 

Edited By: Rojan Bajracharya 

Compiled By: Sita Rana 

First Published: February, 2009 

ISBN No: 978-9937-2-1208-3 

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234 Social Inclusion Research Fund

Table of Contents 

Content Page No. 

Preface i 

Social Inclusion Research Fund – An Introduction 

By Mohan Das Manandhar 1 

Section 1 Women 

Research Fellowship 

Violence against Women and Access to Justice 

By Dr. Govind Prasad Thapa 19 

Domestic Violence in Nepal 

By Jyotsna Tamang 20 

Research Apprenticeship 

Causes and Consequences of Domestic Violence against 

Women: A Comparative Study of Selected Areas 

By Lumanti Shrestha 23 

Violence against Women: Root Causes and Consequences 

By Pramila Thapa 24 

Socio- Economic Factors Affecting Health 

Status of Musahar Women 

By Ram Narayan Mahto 25 

Domestic Violence in Nepali Society: 

Root Cause and Consequences 

By Sarojini Sharma (Joshi) 26 

A Study on the Social Status of Women with Disabilities 

By Janu Kumari Sharma 27 

Plight of Widows: A Study of Dhading and Rupendehi District of Nepal 

By Sajana Maharjan 28 

Women's Perception on Discrimination in Employment: 

A Case Study of Tamghas VDC of Gulmi district 

By Bishnu Maya K.C. 29 

Causes and Consequence of Girls Trafficking in the 

Selected Rescue Centres of Nepal 

By Hari Kala Kandel 30 

Societal Discrimination: Women's Perspective 

By Samidha Pokharel 31 


Dalits Women in Poverty: Consequences of Caste Discrimination 

(A Case Study of Putali Bazaar Municipality of Syangja District) 

By Sanjhiwani Gharti 32 

Gender Dimensions of Nepalese Crop and Vegetable 

Production System: Evidence of Change across Ethnicity and 

Generation in Chitwan 

By Durga Devkota 33 

Women's Perception on Gender Discrimination in Education 

By Lila Adhikari 34 

yf? dlxnfx¿sf] ;fdflhs cfly{s cj:yfÞ Þ M bfË lhNnf, pxf{l/ ufÞ Þ=ljÞ Þ Þ=;Þ Þ Þ= Þ sf] cWoog 

By Sayni Chaudhary (Tharu) 35 

Situation Analysis of Single Women (Widow) in 

Makwanpur Gadhi and Nibuwatar VDCs of Makwanpur District 

By Amuna Chamling 36 

Gender Discrimination in Health among Different 

Caste and Ethnic Groups of Nepal: A Case Study of 

Biratnagar Sub-Metropolitan City 

By Durga Kumari Tiwari 37 

Status of Slum Dwelling Women: A Case Study of Pokhara Valley 

By Lina Gurung 38 

yf? ;d'bfosf dlxnfx¿df x'g] 3/]n' lx+;fÞM ;nf{xL lhNnf, 

hAbL uf=la=;= sf] cWoog 

By Jamuna Gotame 39 

Violence against Dalit Women: A Case Study of Lalitpur District 

By Anita Bishankha (Sarki) 40 

Energizing Social Mobilization of Women through 

Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group): A Case of Morang District 

By Purna Kumari Lingden 41 

Displaced War Widows of Post Armed Conflict in Nepal 

By Syaron Basnet 42 

A Study on Wife- Battering in Magar Community: 

A Case Study of Danda Bazaar VDC of Dhankuta District 

By Shabnam Samal (Magar) 43 

An Analytical Study on Women’s Self Perception on 

Discrimination in Household Decision Making in Dhanusha District 

By Lilawati Yadav 44 

Situation of Female Poverty in Magar Community: A Comparative 

Study of Mamling VDC and Wana VDC of Sankhuwasabha District 

By Dil Prasad Magar 45 


Violence against Women in Marginalized Madheshi 

Community- Root Causes, Consequence and Prevention: 

A Case study of Saptari District in Eastern Terai Region of Nepal 

By Kabita Kumari Mandal 46 

;'s'Daf;L j:tLdf dlxnf lj?4 x'g] 3/]n' lx+;fsf] cj:yfM ;'g;/L lhNnf, 

w/fg gu/kflnsfsf] cWoog 

By Sita Bhattarai 47 

Gender Discrimination in Dalit Community: A Case Study of 

Sarki Community in Katunje VDC of Bhaktapur District 

By Usha Kiran Meghi (Gurung) 48 

The Status of Women in Kirat Religion 

By Bhima Subba Limbu 49 

3/]n' lx+;f M O{nfd lhNnf, rd}tf uf=la=;= sf /fO{ dlxnfx¿sf] cWoog 

By Rita Devi Rai 50 

kf]8] dlxnfsf] ;fdflhs / cfly{s cj:yf M sf7df8f}+ lhNnf, 

lslt{k'/ gu/kflnsfdf ul/Psf] cWoog 

By Sarita Gautam 51 

lghfdtL ;]jfdf dlxnf 

By Sarala Sigdel 52 

A Study on Gender Discrimination, Nature and Practice in Rai and 

Brahmin Community: A Case Study of Urlabari VDC of Morang District 

By Rita Rai 53 

Tharu Women Speaks about Domestic Violence: 


By Nitu Chaudhary 54 

Post Conflict Situation Analysis of Tharu Widows of 

Beluwa and Bargadi in Dang District 

By Shila Adhikari 55 

Section 2: Dalits 


A Study of Dalits' Inclusion in Nepali State Governance 

By Yam Bahadur Kisan 59 

Inclusion of Dalits in Micro-finance Cooperatives in Nepal 

By Man Bahadur Bishwakarma 60 

Intricacies of Inter-Caste Marriage between Dalits and 

Non-Dalits in Nepal Couples' Perspectives 

By Keshari Kansakar and Sita Ghimire 61 


Continuity and Change in Traditional Skills and Technologies 

among Hill Dalits of Nepal: A Study Based on Kami, 

Damai and Sarki of Kaski District 

By Biswo Kallyan Parajuli 62 

Study of Reservation for Dalits in Nepal 

By Shyam Kumar Purkoti, Govinda Pariyar, 

Kiran Bhandari and Gita Sob 63 


Sanskritisation and Caste Opposition: 

A Case Study of Dalits in Pokhara 

By Amar Bahadur BK 67 

Understanding Dalits of Nepal from Different Lenses: 

A Socio-Cultural Study 

By Anju Khadka 68 

Essence and Challenges of Special Policy Provisions for 

Dalit Inclusion: An Institutional Analysis of Various Organizations 

By Bharat Nepali 69 

Sociological Study of the Dom Community: 

A Case Study of Siraha District of Nepal 

By Rajendra Prasad Sah 70 

Hali System among Dalits: A Study of Hansapur Village 

Development Committee of Kaski District 

By Bharat Gotame Sharki 71 

zf/L/Ls ckf+u blntx¿sf] cj:yf 

By Deependra Singh Sunar 72 

Hidden Issue of Inclusion within Dalit Community 

By Kashi Ram Gaire 73 

Comparative Study on Access to and Success in Primary 

Education of Mushahar Children of Sunsari District 

By Kumari Ambika Shah 74 

Potentiality of Dalits’ Caste Based Occupation in Chitwan and 

Nawalparasi Districts 

By Purna Bahadur Nepali 75 

Adaptation of Dalit Skills and Technology: A Case Study of 

Chitwan and Tanahu Districts of Nepal 

By Rup Kumar BK 76 

8f]dhfltsf] ;fdflhs cWoog 

By Basant Kumar Viswakarma 77 

blntsf] hfltut k]zfn] pgLx¿sf] ;dflhs, cfly{s l:ylt tyf cfTd;Ddfgdf kf/]sf] k|efj 

By Tilak Bishwakarma 78 


6L cf/ ljZjsdf{sf] JolQmTj / pgsf] bnLt cfGbf]ngdf of]ubfg 

By Dil Bahadur Bishwakarma 79 

Dalits Skills, Technologies and Their Perspectives: 

A Sociological Study of Baglung District 

By Yam Bahadur Charmakar 80 


A Special Policy and Challenges for Dalit Inclusion in Jumla District 

By Ram Sundar Nepali (Pariyar) 81 

Ethnographic Study of Musahar Community with 

Emphasis on Female Group: A Case Study of Saptary District 

By Anamika Karna 82 

Landlessness and Its Impact in the Life of Musahar: A Study 

of Madheshi Dalit People of Pothiyahi VDC in Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Jitendra Kumar Chaudhary (Kalal) 83 

Regenerating Musicians: Motivation for Identity Reconstruction 

among the Gandharbas of Gotheri Gaon of Western Nepal 

By Bikram Sherchan 84 

Ethnographic Study of the Halkhor Community: 

A case study of Siraha District of Nepal 

By Mahendra Prasad Sah 85 

Socio-Cultural Subjectivities of Landlessness: An Ethnographic 

Study of Sarki People in Naubise VDC of Dhading District 

By Jailab Kumar Rai 86 

Role of Bote and Musahar Communities in Community 

Conservation Management in Nawalparashi District: 

A Study from Gender Perspective 

By Amrita Poudyal 87 

Inclusion of Gandharbas in State Governance 

By Raj Kumar Gandharba 88 

An Ethnography Study of Chamar Community: 

A Case Study of Siraha District 

By Shyam Sundar Sah 89 

Causes and Process of Landlessness in Musahar Community: 


By Rabindra Das Patel 90 

A Study on Reservation/Affirmative Action of Dalit in Humla District 

By Megh Bahadur Pariyar 91 

Effects of Intra-Dalit Untouchability on Social Harmony: 

A Case Study of Arghakhanchi District 

By Subhash Nepali 92 


Problems and Perspective of Panchai Baja Players: 

A Case Study of Damai Community of Kaski District 

By Perm Bahadur Nepali 93 

Educational Status of Musahar Community 

By Bal Maya Bishwakarma 94 

l;dfGts[t xnvf]/;d'bfosf] hflto cWoogM ;Ktl/ lhNnfsf] 

/fhlj/fh gu/kflnsfsf xnvf]/ ;d'bfodf ul/Psf] cWoog 

By Seema Vishwakarma 95 

A Study of Untouchability in Relation to Social Maladies: 

A Case Study of Lahan Municipality of Siraha District 

By Sabur Lal Ram 96 

Quest for New Identity- Dreams and Realities: 

A Case of Caste and Religion Change among Dalits 

By Dhan Bahadur Sunar 97 

A Comparative Study on Intra-Dalit Untouchability 

By Hem Bahadur Lamsal 98 

Domestic Violence against Dalit Women in Mahottari District 

By Reena Ghimire (BK) 99 

afnL3/] k|yf / o;sf] blnt ;d'bfodf k|efj 

By Sita Kumari Bishwakarma 100 

;+qmd0fdf k/Dk/fut k]zf / k"jL{ O{nfdsf bdfO{ / sfdLsf] kl/jlt{t 

k]zfdf k':tfut ;+nUgtf ;DaGwL Ps cWoog 

By Ramesh Kumar Rai 101 

Social Exclusion of Musahar: Interplay of Caste, Class and 

Power in Chandra Ayodhyapurur VDC 

By Kasindra Yadav 102 

Ethnographic Study of Chamar (Madeshi Dalits) Community 

of Saptari District 

By Nathuni Mochi 103 

Socio - Economic and Political Status of Pattharkatta: 

A Case Study of Kapilvastu District 

By Nirak Bahadur Sunar 104 

Livelihood Situation of Haliyas and Landless Peoples of Dalit Community 

By Khadga Bahadur Ramtel ‘Mandip’ 105 

A study on Inter- Caste Discrimination among Dalits 

By Tek Bahadur Sunar 106 


Section 3. Janajati 


Social Inclusion/Exclusion in relation to Tharu Indigenous 

Knowledge and Practices 

By Gopal Dahit 109 

Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, Skill and Practices 

of Kirat Nationalities with Special Focus on Biological Resources 

By Kamal Maden, Ramjee Kongren and Tanka Maya Limbu 110 

Nepal: Interface between State and Ethnicity 

By Krishna Hachhethu 111 

Food Security and Exclusion among Chepangs 

By Uddhav Prasad Rai 112 


Socio- Economic Study of Dhimals of Morang District 

By Arjun Tamang 115 

Indigenous Knowledge and Practice on Biodiversity 

Conservation among the Bankariya Indigenous Peoples 

By Chandra Bahadur Shrees Magar 116 

Poverty in Tharu Community: A Case Study of Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Nand Kishor Kumar 117 

Documentation of Plant Diversity and Indigenous Knowledge: A Key 

for Sustainable Development of Tharu Community in Eastern Nepal 

By Pramila Kumari Gachhadar 118 

Socio- Economic Condition of Limbu 

By Rajendra Limbu 119 

Indigenous Knowledge System as A Resource for Sustaining 

Raji Work and Life: A Case Study of Surkhet District 

By Sumi Maskey 120 

Implication of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable 

Development of Lesser Mountain 

By Anand Lohorung Rai 121 

An Evaluation of Government and Donor Policies 

towards Indigenous People 

By Bijaya Subba 122 

Issues of Representation of Indigenous Nationalities in 

Local Governance: Practice and Obstacles 

By Durga Bahadur Ghartee Magar 123 


Role of Political Leaders from Indigenous Communities in 

the Development of Their Communities 

By Fatik Bahadur Thapa Magar 124 

Institutions, Inequality and Insurgency: An Analysis of 

Institutions that Determine Indigenous (Janajati) Communities' 

Access to and Control over Natural Resources of Nepal 

By Mohan Babu Gurung 125 

Enrollment and Educational Achievement of Athpahariya 

Primary Level Children in Dhankuta district 

By Mohan Rai 126 

Documentation of Health Related Indigenous Knowledge of 

Darai Communities of Tanahun District 

By Prem Bahadur Darai 127 

Inclusive Representation of Indigenous Nationalities in 

Bureaucracy of Ilam 

By Prem Prasad Limbu 128 

A Study on Poverty in Santhal Community in Jhapa: 

Present Status, Causes and Consequences 

By Harka Raj Rai 129 

Study of the Socially and Politically Excluded Group of Putuwar, 

Rajbahak and Nagarkoti and Potentials of Their Own Development 

in Kathmandu District 

By Sukra Bahadur Putuwar 130 

Social and Cultural Dynamics of Rai Ethnic Groups in 

Land Management 

By Kalawati Rai 131 

Sheep Transhumance in Humla: A Declining Practice 

By Kushal Gurung 132 

The Plight of the Ex-Kamaiyas: A Comparative Study on 

Syani Ambapur Settlement Camp of Tribhuvan Nagar Municipality 

and Manikapur Settlement Camp of Gadhawa VDC 

By Suresh Chaudhary (Tharu) 133 

Indigenous Knowledge on the Utilization of Medicinal Plants 

in the Magar Community: A Case Study of Salija VDC of Parbat 

By Shubhechchha Thapa 134 

Indigenous Knowledge on Health and Herbal Use Practices 

of Bankariyas as Domestic Treatment 

By Dhana Bahadur Moktan (Tamang) 135 

Indigenous Knowledge of Limbu on Ecology, Biodiversity and 

Enthnomedicine 

By Dil Kumar Hangsurung Limbu 136 


Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Livelihood 

of Chepang Community in Chitwan District of Nepal 

By Dinesh Babu Thapa Magar 137 

Inter-Clan Relationship among 'Fifteen-Clan' Magars 

By Jhakendra Gharti Magar 138 

Textile and Indigenous Knowledge in Highland Nepal: 

A Case Study of Limbu Community from Eastern Nepal 

By Prem Hang Banem 139 

The Emerging Form of Dowry in Limbu Community 

By Bhuwani Prasad Limbu 140 

Child Marriage Practice among Tamang of Ichangu 

Narayan Village Development Committee 

By Mana Kafle 141 

Evaluation of Government Policies towards 

Excluded Groups: A Case Study of Janajatis 

By Manju Rai 142 

A Study of Paradox of Ihi and Single Womanhood with respect 

to Myths and Symbolic Meaning in Newar Women of Panga Des 

By Jeni Thapa Magar 143 

lnDa" ;d'bfodf u'? k"hf ul/g] d'Gw'd 

By Arjun Babu Mabuhanga 144 

g]kfnsf du/x¿sf] ;fdflhs ;f+:s[lts cj:yf 

By Mana Kumari Thada 145 

The Ethnic Group at the Margin of Society: A Case Study 

of Mudiyari (Munda) Community of Morang District 

By Anup Rai 146 

Inclusive Representation of Chepang in Political Parties of Nepal 

By Tilak Bahadur Chepang 147 

Ethnographic Study of Yamphu Community in the Upper 

Arun Valley of Sangkhuwa Shabha District 

By Hom Prasad Yamphu 148 

Section 4 Madheshi 


Citizenship Problem of Madhesi Dalits 

By Uddhav Sigdel 151 



Citizenship Problems in Terai: A Case Study of Sunsari 

and Morang Districts 

By Maina Dhital 155 

International Labour Migration: A Rural Livelihood Strategy 

of Madheshi Community 

By Umesh Kumar Mandal 156 

Religious and Cultural Dynamics of Madheshi Dalits: 

A Case Study of Mushahar of Dhanusha District 

By Subhash Jha 157 

Section 5. Language 


Linguistic Diversity in Nepal: Situation and Policy Planning 

By Prof. Dr. Yogendra Prasad Yadava 161 


Mother Tongue Education: Practices and Problems with 

Reference to the Limbu Language 

By Prem Bahadur Phyak 165 

Study of Phonemes in Sherpa Language: A Phonological Study 

By Gelu Sherpa 166 

A Descriptive Grammar of Chhatthare Limbu 

By Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang 167 

lzIff If]qsf] ;dfj]lzs/0fdf lnDj' dft[efiff lzIffsf] k|efj 

By Ambar Jang Limbu 168 

A Study of the Chintang Mundum/Ritual Language 

By Ichchha Purna Rai 169 

Kiranti-Bayung Grammar, Texts and Lexicon 

By Dr. Lal Rapacha 170 

An Ethno-linguistic Observation of Chhulung Rai- A Highly 

Endangered Language 

By Man Kumari Limbu 171 

A Phonological Study of Uranw (Jhangad) Language for 

Developing its Writing System 

By Ram Kisun Uranw 172 

Dialects of Maithili: A Sociolinguistic study 

By Dev Narayan Yadav 173 


Magic of Limbu Deixis: An Interdisciplinary Study of 

Language and Culture 

By Dilli Bikram Edingo 174 

Linguistic Movement of 2022 B.S.: A Case Study of the 

Newars in Kathmandu Valley 

By Basanta Maharjan 175 

Section 6. Others 


Buffer Zone Management Policy Implications on the 

Livelihoods of Excluded Groups: A Study from Chitwan 

National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve of Nepal 

By Meena Kumari Gurung, Manohara Khadka and 

Kumar Bahadur Darjee 179 

Inclusion/Exclusion of River-Affected People in Conservation 

and Management of Watershed and Natural Resources 

in Churia Hills 

By Bijay Kumar Singh (Danuwar) 180 

Social Impact of Armed Conflict in Nepal - Cause and Impact 

By Anjana Shakya 181 

Conflict Induced Migration in Nepal: A Social Inclusion Perspective 

By Padma Prasad Khatiwada 182 

Livestock, Livelihoods and Common Property Resource Linkage: 

Gender, Caste and Ethnicity Dynamics in Rural Nepalese Communities 

By Kamala Gurung 183 

Mainstreaming People with Disability in the Development of Nepal 

By Thaneswor Gautam 184 

Access to Land and Marginalization in Nepal: 

A Political Economic Approach 

By Dr Jagannath Adhikari, B.B Nepali and Radha Gurung 185 

Socio-Spatial Dimension of Exclusion and Inclusion: 

A Research of Karnali Region 

By Mahesh Pathak and Tibendra Raj Banskota 186 

Social Change and the Senior Citizens in Nepal: 

A Case Study of Their Socio- Spatial Exclusion 

By Dal Prasad Pun 187 

Exclusion Issues of Muslims of Nepal and Role of 

Education in Their Social Inclusion 

By Swayam Prakash JB Rana, Abdul Quaiyum, 

Pasang Sherpa and Md. Zahid Parwez 188 


Social Exclusion in Education: A Study on School Dropouts 

in Terai and Hill Districts of Nepal 

By Binay Kumar Kushiyait (Yadav) 189 


A Study of the Problem of Witch Accusation in Nepal 

By Khar Bhushan Sah 193 

Forms of Reservation for OBC in Nepal 

By Manai Mahato 194 

Assessment of Environmental Governance for 

Sustainable Forest Management in Bara District of Nepal 

By Ram Lama 195 


Socio- Economic Aspects of Child Marriage: 

A Case Study of Dhalkewar VDC of Dhanusha District 

By Santosh Kumar Sah 196 

Social Perspective on HIV in Nepal 

By Chanda Thapa 197 

Socio- Economic Impact of Internal Displacement 

Due to Armed Conflict: A Study of Western Nepal 

By Tulsi Panthee (Dhakal) 198 

A Study of Problems of Muslim Minority in Kapilbastu 

and Gorkha Districts of Nepal 

By Abdul Salam 199 

A Comparative Study of Inter Caste marriage in 

Rural and Urban Nepal 

By Kripa Sharma 200 

Inclusive Representation in Local Governance: 

A Case Study of Triyuga Municipality of Udaypur 

By Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar 201 

Exploration of Causes of Dowry System in 

Dhanusha District of Nepal 

By Sanjay Kumar Das 202 

Inclusion of Poor Women and Dalits in community 

forestry: Examining, principles and practices 

By Som Bahadur Bohora (Sarki) 203 

Internal Migration in Kathmandu Valley 

By Mina Tamang 204 


Rights of Conflict Displaced Persons: A Case of Kathmandu 

Valley with Special Reference to Post Conflict Nepal 

By Rom Bahadur Thapa Magar 205 

A Study on Status of Senior Citizen of Kathmandu Metropolitan City 

By Ramesh Rana (Magar) 206 

A study on the Causes and Consequences of Child Marriage 

in Dhanushdham VDC of Dhanusha District 

By Nawal Kishor Yadav 207 

Implication of Rural to Urban Migration in Nepal: 

A Social Inclusion Perspective 

By Janga Bir Rana Magar 208 

Adaptive Strategies of Nepali Muslims in Urban Setting: 

A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley 

By Sunil Shakya 209 

Challenges and Opportunities of Post Conflict on 

Conflict Induced Victims of Rolpa 

By Lisha Shrestha 210 

Section 7. Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project, Undertaken by: 

Chr. Michelsens Institute and Centre for 

Economic and Development Administration 

Social Exclusion, Democratic Inclusion and Insurgency in Nepal 

Abstracts Compiled by Magnus Hatlebakk 213 

Methodology 

By Prof. Gunnar Håland 214 

Methodology 

By Nabin Rawal 215 

Exclusive or Inclusive Justice: A Study of Civil Cases 

in Morang District Court 

By Hugo Stokke 216 

Democracy in Everyday Life 

By Suresh Dhakal 217 

Factors that Have Contributed to the Insurgency 

By Prof. Chaitanya Mishra 218 


By Magnus Hatlebakk 219 

Agrarian Change in Maoist Influenced Areas of Nepal 



Migration and Social Exclusion 

By Yogendra B. Gurung 221 

Statistical Indicators of Social and Economic Exclusion 

By Arun Kumar Lal Das 222 

Government Policies and Programs for Inclusion 

By Dr. Ramesh C. Chitrakar 223 

Locating the Middle Ground. 


The UN’s Role in Peace Operations: Nepal as an Exceptional Case 

By Astri Suhrke 225 

Section 8: Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project, Undertaken By: Norwegian 

Institute for Urban and Regional Research, Centre for 

Nepalese and Asian Studies, Shtrii Shakti and Nepal 

Participatory Action Network 

Social Exclusion and Group Mobilization: An Examination of 

Household and Group Strategies for Overcoming Social- Exclusion 

By Marit Haug 229 


Preface 

After nearly two and half centuries of social exclusion and 10 years 

of conflict in the country, Nepal has an opportunity to redress the 

past problems that have been created purposely or consciously 

due to social exclusionary practices. Centuries of exclusion have 

created an enormous gap in the understanding of the lives, 

philosophies, and attributes of different groups of people. Many 

myths of fragmentation and division had been milled about being 

inclusive and restructuring the state into a federation based on 

ethnicity and language. Through years of subjugation and 

marginalisation of different ethnic and caste communities, the 

knowledge base on them have been depleted as to: i) Who they 

are?; ii) Where they live?; iii) How they live?; iv) What are their 

social, economic, cultural and political status?; v) How the 

knowledge and skills of these groups can turn into resources in 

the creation of a new Nations’ state?; vi) Where are the gaps and 

shortcoming in policies devised in absence of proper understanding 

of the people they were aimed?; vii) What new suitable policies 

would be needed to help the excluded people to live decent lives?; 

and viii) How and when will policies be formulated and implemented 

that ensure the feeling of nationhood and equal citizen in individuals 

and groups irrespective of caste, race, religion, ethnicity, gender? 

In order to address these issues, Social Inclusion and Nation 

Building Programme was established. The programme focuses on 

structural inequalities and their implications for building a more 

inclusive nation state that also embrace all excluded groups. The 

programme also focuses on advocacy of civil society organisations 

that articulate the interests of excluded groups and are allowed to 

influence the research agenda. 

The Government of Nepal and Royal Norwegian Embassy in 

Kathmandu agreed to establish The Social Inclusion Research Fund 

(SIRF) managed by SNV Nepal in 2005 with 3 objectives: 

Produce high quality and critical research on causes of social 

exclusion in Nepal and ways to accommodate and manage 

diversity 

Make social science research more relevant to excluded and 

disadvantaged groups and their agendas 

Social Social Inclusion Inclusion Research Research Fund Fund 231 i

Ensure that research more effectively contributes to policy 

debate and a deliberative democratic process 

SIRF was fortunate to have Dr. Harka Gurung (late), an eminent 

scholar and seasoned social scientist, as a chairperson of Interim 

Screening Committee (ISC). His profound leadership and his effort 

had made the Fund a success. Dr. Gurung’s perspective on the 

social inclusion issues and his broad gamut of wisdom and 

deliberations provided a novel dimension to the entire approach 

and thought on research and nation building process. His 

contribution to social sciences is eternal and unmatched. He will 

always live with SIRF. 

SIRF is also fortunate to have support from Royal Norwegian Embassy, 

Kathmandu. Ms. Ingrid Ofstad, former Norwegian Ambassador to 

Nepal, had made a tireless effort to initiate SIRF with a strong support 

and commitment from Dr. Shanker Sharma, former Vice Chairperson 

of National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal and Mr. Jan 

de Witte, former Director of SNV Nepal. Further, the Interim Screening 

Committee members have made substantial contribution to 

legitimatise the SIRF and its success. 

On behalf of SIRF, I would like to thank all the individuals and 

institutions who have supported us and contributed in making SIRF 

a success. I would like to give special gratitude to – Late Mathias 

Moyersoen, former Director of SNV- Nepal for his commitment and 

guidance in setting up SIRF. I would like to thank Dr. Keshab Man 

Shakya, former SIRF Coordinator for his contribution to the SIRF 

Secretariat. Further, I would like to thank all the SNV Nepal 

members who have supported SIRF. 

Finally, I appreciate the tireless effort of SIRF secretariat’s staffs 

in brining out this book. Particularly, Swasti Pradhan has provided 

an administrative support while preparing this book; Sita Rana has 

tirelessly compiled the abstracts of the researches; and Rojan 

Bajracharya has edited the book. 

Mohan Das Manandhar 

Senior Adviser, Policy and Institutionalization 

SIRF/SNV Nepal 

232 ii Social Inclusion Research Fund

Social Inclusion Research Fund: 

An Introduction 




As a follow-up to an assessment of Norwegian support to NGOs in 

Nepal (2001), the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Kathmandu 

envisaged a need to stimulate further research on processes of 

national building, social exclusion and poverty and the role of the 

civil society in Nepal. A project identification team submitted a 

report in June 2003 titled "Social Exclusion and Nation Building – 

assessment of prospects for enhancing the role of research and 

research institutions in Nepal". 1 The Team recommended a twopronged 

approach involving, on the one hand, setting-up a research 

fund in Nepal and, on the other hand, financing research cooperation 

between a Norwegian and a Nepali research institution. 

A careful analysis of the geographical and ethnic concentration of 

the Maoist movement in Nepal in 2003 shows that it derives much 

strength from the perception of economic and social exclusion by 

the people in those areas. The discourse of Nepali society on conflict 

and issues of injustice and inequity during 2003 was fragmented, 

emotional and localised. To cite an example from a report of 2002: 

"Caste and class discrimination, ethnic tension and corruption are 

built into the fabric of Nepali society, so underlying conflict is 

endemic. The Maoist insurrection is the violent eruption of a general, 

deep, popular dissatisfaction. Countless other latent conflicts could 

also escalate into armed conflict, particularly those fuelled by ethnic 

divisions and rivalry." - Nepal: Report of the EC Conflict 

Prevention Assessment Mission, 

1 Medina, L-A. B. , A. M. Jerve, M. D. Manandhar and M. Thompson. 

Social Exclusion and nation Building – assessment of prospects 

for enhancing the role of research and research institutions in 

Nepal. Norwegian Embassy, Kathmandu. May 2003. Online 

available at: http://www.socialinclusion.org.np 


In this regard, the project team felt the need for a new initiative that 

contributed to a reorientation of the current research agenda towards 

an agenda that was more responsive to the contemporary 

challenges of Nepal: ‘social exclusion’. 

The team therefore recommended setting up a research programme 

that focussed on structural inequalities and their implications for 

building a more inclusive nation state and those representatives of 

excluded groups and advocacy civil society organisations are allowed 

to articulate their interests and influence the research agenda. 

The objective was to support a research agenda that contributed to 

understanding the conditions by which the nation and democracy 

can transcend social and cultural categories, thereby allowing social 

mobility to take the place of social exclusion. The questions were: i) 

How can structural inequalities of Nepal society be understood? and 

ii) How can a nation within the framework of a deliberative democracy 

be built? Thus, Social Inclusion Research Fund was established in 

August 1, 2005 for a 3-year Research Programme on Social Inclusion 

and Nation Building in Nepal financed by the Royal Norwegian 

Embassy, Kathmandu with an agreement with the Government of 

Nepal. SNV Nepal was invited to manage the fund as its secretariat. 

The Fund would also respond to certain weaknesses in the structure 

of financing and organisation of social science research in Nepal. 

These weaknesses were: 

Scarce funding for longer-term researcher-initiated projects 

open and attractive to already established researchers. 

Organisations that do not have international links– such as 

many local NGOs working for the interests of particular 

localities or ethnic groups– face difficulties in promoting 

research and influencing any research agenda. 

Conventional research grants awarded by screening 

applications tend to favour students from an elite back 

ground. The funding pattern reinforces existing social 

inequalities in terms of access to higher education. 

Institutions currently carrying out research lack funds, 

facilities and programmes for the mentoring of younger 

professionals. 


Against this background, the main objectives of the Fund were 

formulated as follow: 

Produce high quality and critical research on causes of 

social exclusion in Nepal and ways to accommodate and 

manage diversity 

Make social science research more relevant to excluded 

and disadvantaged groups and their agendas 

Ensure that research contributes more effectively to policy 


Structure of the Research Programme 

The Programme consists of two independent components – 

1) Research Fund and 2) Research Cooperation between Norway 

and Nepal. This set up is schematically presented in Figure 1 

below. 

Figure 1: Programme Setup 

Civil society organisations 

• Interest groups 

• Advocacy organisations 

Nepali 

researchers and 

research 

institutions 

Screening 

Committee 

Researc 

h Fund 

Secretariat 

Research Cooperation 

Norwegian aid 

• Embassy 

• NORAD Oslo 

Norwegian 

Research 

Institution 


Interim Screening Committee (ISC) 

An Interim Screening Committee (ISC) with 9 members was 

appointed for the Fund by the Government of Nepal. The Interim 

Screening Committee has participants from: 

the Nepali research community (4) from excluded groups 

the international research community (one Norwegian 

researcher and one international researcher) (2) 

Ministry of Finance and National Planning Commission (2) 

a chair person appointed from among leading social science 

researchers 

The ISC has a mandate to allocate grants under the following 

application categories a) research projects, b) apprenticeships, 

and c) Nepal - Norway cooperation projects. 

The first ISC of the Fund was lead by Dr. Harka Bahadur Gurung 

(late). The members were: Prof. Dr. Novel Kishor Rai (representing 

Janjatis); Prof. Dr. Pushpa Shrestha (representing women); Dr. Ram 

Prakash Yadav (representing Madhesis); Mr. Hira Bishwokarma 

(representing Dalits); Mr. Mahesh Karki (representing the Ministry 

of Finance) – later replaced by Mr. Lal Shanker Ghimire; Mr. Tirtha 

Dhakal (representing National Planning Commission) and Prof. Dr. 

Joanna Pfaff-Czarnecka of the University of Bielefeld, Germany 

and Prof. Dr. Kristian Stokke of Oslo University, Norway 

(representing the international research community). 

The Secretariat – SNV Nepal 

As per the agreement with the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE), 

SNV Nepal has been designated a fund manager with the SIRF 

secretariat in its office. The Secretariat has two main 

responsibilities: 1) to manage the overall budget of the Fund, and 

2) to manage the operational aspects of the Fund, including 

administration, on behalf of the ISC. 


The Research Fund - Main features 

The Social Inclusion Research Fund is primarily a financing 

institution focussing on inviting applications and granting support. 

Approvals of grants are made on a competitive basis, following 

transparent procedures. All the approval decisions of ISC are based 

on the operational manual. The manual includes detailed guidelines 

for all processes including review, awarding and monitoring process. 

The detailed guidelines for review of proposals approved by ISC 

include: 

Identification of a maximum ceiling of individual grants 

Definition of eligible applicants 

Type of information required in the applications 

Criteria for evaluation of proposals 

Important elements of these criteria are: 

Relevance of the issues to be studied in view of the broader 

topic of social exclusion/inclusion 

Academic merits of the key researchers involved 

Scientific assessment of formulation of research questions, 

hypotheses, theoretical approach, and choice of 

methodologies 

Assessment of practical and economic feasibility 

Priority to be given to empirical studies 

Involvement of younger and/or less experienced researchers, 

especially those with a disadvantaged background 

The extent of cooperation with disadvantaged groups in the 

formulation of research questions and the practical research. 

The Fund is flexible and open to individual applications and to teams 

of researchers with diverse institutional affiliations. The Fund 

operates four types of grants to achieve the different identified 

outputs (see Figure 2 for a schematic presentation of the Fund). 

The research grants consist of grants for research fellows, research 

apprenticeships, dissemination and public debate and capacity 

building and training. 


Figure 2: The Research Fund 

Types of grants Governance and management 

1 

Research 

Fellows 

60% 

2 

Research 

Apprenticeship 

20% 

3 Dissemination 

and public 

debate 

10% 

4 

Capacity 

building and 

training 

10% 

Research Fund 

Applications 

From: 

Qualified researchers/groups – not 

institutions 

Aspiring researchers from 

disadvantaged groups 

Institutions: for specific activities 

(dissemination/capacity building) 

Interim 

Screening 

Committee 

Approval of 

grants 

Review of 

applications 

(2,3,4) 

Secretariat 

6 Social Inclusion Research Fund 

(1)

Types of Grants 

Research Fellows (RF) 

This is the largest component of the Fund (approximately 60 per 

cent) and it represents the core upon which the other types of 

grants largely depend. The Fund provides grants facilitating research 

projects of up to 3-years duration allowing the key researcher to 

spend at least half of that time on the project over this period. The 

criteria for selection are detailed in the operational guidelines. The 

two calls for a research grant were published on Jan 2006 and July 

2007. The total number of the application, screening, review and 

awardees are presented in Table 1. 

Table 1: RF Proposals Received and Approved in 2006-2007 

Year Received Reviewed Short-listed Awarded 

2006 72 41 16 15 

2007 143 130 11 10 

Total 215 171 27 25 

Source: SIRF mid- Term Review Report, Nov 2007 

Research Apprenticeship (RA) for persons of disadvantaged 

groups 

Approximately 20 per cent of the Research Fund was allocated for 

this component. The details of the number of awardees are 

presented in Table 2. 

Table 2: AG Proposals Received and Approved in 2006-2007 

Year Received Reviewed Short-listed Awarded 

2006 71 71 61 58 

2007 406 392 95 91 

Total 477 463 156 149 

Source: SIRF mid- Term Review Report, Nov 2007 

A synopsis of the completed research and on-going research are 

presented in this book. 


Dissemination Grants 

Approximately 10 per cent of the Research Fund was allocated for 

this component, starting on the first year. Criteria for approval 

include: 

Potential for effective outreach to the identified target 

audience 

Cost effectiveness 

Innovativeness 

The project has carried out various works on media with the following 

partners: 

1. Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) 

2. Independent News Service (INS) 

3. Freedom Forum 

4. Nepal FM 91.8/Inclusive Radio 

5. Institute of International Development Studies (IIDS) 

Research Findings Dissemination 

The Social Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF) has been successful in 

funding lot of research on social exclusion. The mid-term review of 

the Social Inclusion Research Fund recommended that it should 

initiate policy debate and focus on consolidating research results 

and disseminate them to the media, policy-makers, development 

actors and lobby and advocacy groups. In this regard, SIRF should 

facilitate policy dialogue with the political party leaders, government 

agencies and civil society organisations through dissemination of 

critical discourse related to the outcome of the research programme, 

as well as allowing for advocacy groups to "take back" and use the 

research results for their own purpose. 

In 2008, the Fund felt a need to assist the Constituent Assembly 

(CA) members to make the constitution more inclusive in order to 

address the issues of structural inequalities and their implications 

for building a more inclusive nation state. In addition, there is also 

a need to assist political parties of Nepal to develop policy papers 


on social inclusion on which the political parties can base their 

proposals on federal structure and the restructure of state 

mechanisms to address the issues of exclusion in Nepal. There is 

an understanding among political party leaders and CA members 

regarding the barriers of social exclusion; however, they lack 

understanding and knowledge to develop tools and mechanism for 

making the state structure and state mechanism inclusive. 

The Fund is in the process of carrying out policy debates with 

various political party leaders, CA members, civil society leaders 

and donor and development partners. 

Capacity Building Grants 

Approximately 10 percent of the Research Fund was allocated for 

this component and was awarded to established research 

institutions. Costs related to training, supervision and development 

of proposals were covered under this grant. 

SIRF has partnerships with the following three national organizations 

to improve the research quality of the first two batches of SIRF 

awardees; 

1. Central Department of Sociology/Anthropology, TU 

2. Social Science Baha 

3. Martin Chautari 

The Norway-Nepal Institutional Research Cooperation 

The purpose of this initiative is threefold. Firstly, Norwegian 

researchers and research institutions can back-up the Research 

Fund. Secondly, the aim is to strengthen the institutional capacity 

for this type of research in one or two Nepalese research institutions. 

Finally, this cooperation is important to strengthen its knowledge 

on key social and political issues of the Nepal. This fund will also 

be administered by the Research Fund secretariat. 


Institutional Research Selection Process 

It was important to identify Norwegian partners with the required 

institutional commitment and research interest to be involved with Nepal 

for a longer period. The idea was not to finance smaller, self-standing 

research projects carried out by Norwegian researchers. There was an 

open call for proposals in Norway for awarding these grants. 

More specifically, the project and the agreement between the 

Norwegian and Nepalese institutions had the following features: 

It was developed with the vision of the Programme in mind - 

e.g. research on issues of social exclusion; 

It fostered a longer-term research cooperation between identified 

researchers on both sides; 

It aimed at high quality research based on the collection of 

new data; 

It included some institution building components for the Nepali 

partner; 

It included competence development components for both 

partners – e.g. creating an opportunity for PhDs and Masters; 

and 

Both partners could play a facilitating role in linking other 

researchers in Norway, Nepal and other countries internationally 

to the Programme. 

There were three proposals and two proposals were selected and 

awarded by ISC/SIRF. The selection process was carried out as 

per the set process defined in the procedure guidelines of SIRF. 

The selected projects were as follow: 

1. Chr. Michelsens Institute (CMI), Norway – Centre for 

Economic and Development Administration (CEDA) 

Tribhuvan Univeristy, Nepal 

Project Title: Social Exclusion, Democratic Inclusion 

and the Insurgency in Nepal 

Project Period: 1 July 2006 - 31 Dec 2008 (neutral budget 

extension to March 2009) 


2. Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR), 

Norway – Centre for Nepalese and Asian Studies (CNAS), 

Tribhuvan Univeristy, Shtrii Shakti (SS) and Nepal 

Participatory Action Network (NEPAN), Nepal 

Project Title: Social Exclusion and Group Mobilization: 

An examination of household and group strategies for 

overcoming social exclusion Project Period: 1 Nov 

2006 - 30 Sep 2009 

The two projects have successfully carried out their field surveys 

and will complete their research reports as stipulated in the contract. 

The book also contains synopses of the research reports that are 

planned for publication in the journal or as a book. 

Future Direction 

This phase of the project is in the process of being completed. As 

the project has been successful in bringing research findings on 

social exclusion/ inclusion which were useful to the policy makers 

and other stakeholders, there is a need to institutionalise the Fund 

and extend the programme in order to support in the 

mainstreaming of the social inclusion agenda in policy, 

programme and functions of the state, and to establish and 

operationalise a national level institution supporting social 

inclusion research 

There are three strong rational arguments that point to the need to 

extend this programme for the next three years from July 2009 to 

July 2012. 

Nepal and Nepalese are in the process of making a new 

constitution led by the Constituent Assembly, which includes 

restructuring of the state with a focus on respecting the right 

to self determination of excluded groups. The Constituent 

Assembly has decided to make Nepal an inclusive Federal 

Democratic Republic. In this regard, research on social 

inclusion agenda and nation building has become extremely 

relevant and necessary for informed decision making and 


advocacy of civil society members to protect and promote 

the rights of excluded groups in the constitution. 

The interim plan of the government has defined social inclusion 

as one of the six main pillars of the 3-year Interim 

Development Plan. The government has also announced its 

commitment to establish a National Inclusion Commission 

to address issues of social inclusion on the basis of 

structural inequities and injustice. In the context of the 

government’s initiative, the research findings on social 

inclusion will be very useful for the Inclusion Commission to 

form its strategy and policies to address social exclusion. 

The first three year cycle of SIRF has been successful and 

relevant to the nation building process both from policy as 

well as public debate point of view. Therefore, the mid-term 

review of SIRF has recommended that the fund should 

continue. Accordingly, the present ISC has proposed the 

extension of SIRF to the government. Thus, the government 

has sent a request letter to the Royal Norwegian Embassy 

in Nepal to continue its support to SIRF. The research findings 

of research fellows of 2006 that have been presented and 

published which provide an impetus for SIRF to advocate 

the issues of social inclusion to the political party leaders 

as well as the Constituent Assembly members. It is clear 

from the discussion with the political parties and Constituent 

Assembly members that there is a need for research on 

various aspects of social inclusion/exclusion which have not 

been addressed. This includes research on the issues of 

socially excluded groups as a basis for restructuring the 

state. 

Abstract of the Researches Supported by SIRF 

This book contains the abstract of all the research, both completed 

and in the process of being completed. The abstract are divided 

into eight sections: 1) Women; 2) Dalits; 3) Janajatis; 4) Madhesis; 

5) Language; 6) Other Excluded Groups including Muslim, 


Physically Challenged, Regional Marginalisation, Old age and other; 

7) Norway Nepal Institutional Research Cooperation Project, 

Undertaken by: Chr. Michelsens Institute and Centre for Economic 

and Development Administration; and 8) Norway Nepal Institutional 

Research Cooperation Project, Undertaken By: Norwegian Institute 

for Urban and Regional Research, Centre for Nepalese and Asian 

Studies, Shtrii Shakti and Nepal Participatory Action Network. 

Civil Society Workshop – Defining Research Agenda 

In order to define the agenda for research, SIRF organised a civil 

society workshop (representing excluded group) in February 2006. 

It was aimed at bringing together civil society representatives to 

discuss relevant issues regarding social exclusion and nation 

building, the outcome of which was envisaged to provide valuable 

insights into the relevance and urgency of issues pertaining to 

inclusion/exclusion and assist in prioritising the areas of research 

funding. In addition, the workshop particularly aimed at: 

a) Sharing emerging issues raised and presented by individuals 

representing civil society on excluded groups with the 

potential researchers, educationists, policy makers and 

Interim Screening Committee (ISC). 

b) Provide input on the relevance and urgency of issues 

pertaining to the exclusion of disadvantaged groups (Ethnic 

groups, Dalits, Madheshis, Women and other excluded/ 

minority groups) that could serve as an essential background 

and guide the selection of research applications 

According to the outcome of the workshop, the ISC decided to 

define the research themes as presented in Table 3. 


CONVERGENT THEME 

Table 3: Research Theme 

1. Reservation/affirmative action 7. Implications of intercaste 

2. 

3. 

Social impact of conflict 

Legal bias against women and 

Dalits 

8. 

marriages 

Social perspectives on HIV and 

4. Education Problems of excluded disability 

groups (mother tongues & school 9. Evaluation of government/ 

5. 

drop out rate) 

Language issues of Janajatis and 

Madhesis 

donors’ policies towards 

excluded group 

6. Landlessness of excluded 10. Inclusive representation in 

groups 

governance 

11. Poverty and excluded group 

12. Citizenship problems 

GROUP-SPECIFIC THEME 

Dalit 

1. Skill technologies of Dalits and 

their perspective 

2. Sociological study of Dalits 

3. Religious and cultural 

perspectives of Dalits 

Women 

1. Women’s perception of gender 

discrimination 

2. Evaluation of gender 

mainstreaming policy 

3. Violence against women: root 

causes and consequences 

4. Intra-household responsibilities: 

comparison and dynamics 

5. Comparative study of women’s 

status by religious and social 

groups 

Madhesi 

1. Implication of migration on 

Madhesis 

2. Social malady of Madhesis 

(dowry, untouchability, child 

marriage, witch-accusations) 

3. Problems of Muslim minorities 

4. Sociological study of Madhesis 

Janajati 

1. Indigenous knowledge/ 

technologies: Inventory and 

dynamics 

2. Sociological analysis of Janajatis 

3. Religious and cultural dynamics 


There were two calls for proposal on February 24, 2006 and January 

16, 2007. Many proposals were received and reviewed and 25 

Research Fellows and 149 Research Apprenticeships were provided 

grants. The abstract of all this research as well as abstract of 

research from Norway – Nepal institutional cooperation projects 

are being published and are available Fund’s website – http:// 

www.socialinclusion.org.np 

References: 

Medina, L-A. B. , A. M. Jerve, M. D. Manandhar and M. Thompson, 

2003. Social Exclusion and Nation Building – Assessment of 

Prospects for Enhancing the Role of Research and Research 

institutions in Nepal. Kathmandu: Norwegian Embassy. Online 

Available : http://www.socialinclusion.org.np 

Social Inclusion Research Fund, 2007. From Exclusion to Inclusion: 

Socio- Political Agenda for Nepal. Kathmandu: Social Inclusion 

Research Fund. 

Online Resources: 

Social Inclusion Research Fund Available at: http:// 

www.socialinclusion.org.np 



1 

Theme: Women 

Award Type: Research Fellowship 




By Dr. Govind Prasad Thapa 

Awarded Year: 2007 Completed Year: Ongoing 

Abstract 

Gender violence is the most generalized forms of exclusion in Nepali 

society. Violence against women includes physical, sexual, and 

psychological violence that occurs within the family and the 

community. Nepal has traditional society and culture which 

dishonours woman’s voice and encourages family pride. The Nepali 

societal culture is an introvert one, which shows aversion to change 

and displays a keen instinct for retention and preservation of ideas 

and traditions. This study comes across the fact that the virtue 

and family honour objectify women in our society. The social 

structure of the country endorses the social stigma and self 

exclusionary feeling among women. The access to justice against 

woman violence is a challenge in itself for many victims. For many, 

it does not exist at all. Against this background, the study aims to 

explore the importance of effective justice system against woman 

violence. This study focuses upon the experiences of sexual victims 

and their families in Nepali society and the socio–economic condition 

of such victims. This study is a documentation of consequences 

of violence to their health, social, economic, and political aspects. 

The six districts of Lumbini zone has been selected for field survey 

and it is continuing. The field survey has interviewed 20 sexual 

violence victims from various socio- economic statuses. The 

preliminary findings of the study suggest that there are limited 

legal cases of women violence in Nepal because of social stigma. 

The mere existence of formal judicial remedies is not sufficient to 

punish the culprits. There are cross cutting issues of social stigma 

and inhospitable society against women which saves the culprits. 

Key Words: Women, Sexual Violence, Justice, Social Stigma, 

Human Rights and Social Exclusion. 

Note: This study has not completed yet and it will complete on 

July, 2009. 



By Jyotsna Tamang 


Abstract 

Gender-based violence is the most pervasive but least recognized 

human right abuse in the world that concerns all sectors of society. 

The study aims to analyze: i) the experience and prevalence of 

domestic violence; ii) the power relation within the family among 

the Dalits, Janajati, Madhesi and Brahmin/Chhetri communities 

iii) whether patriarchy and other socio-economic factors perpetuate 

domestic violence and iv) the coping strategies of women who have 

faced domestic violence. The study is based on quantitative and 

qualitative information and the field survey has been conducted in 

four districts of Nepal. The key research tools used by the study 

are in-depth case study, in-depth interview and sample survey. The 

preliminary finding of the study reveals that women from these 

communities face severe forms of domestic violence. The study 

will also elaborate on whether social and cultural customs increase 

domestic violence. 

Key Words: Gender- Based Violence, Power Relation, Dalits, 

Janajati, Madhesi, Brahmin/Chhetri and Patriarchy. 


July 2009. 


Theme: Women 

Award Type: Research Apprenticeship 



Causes and Consequences of Domestic Violence 

against Women: A Comparative Study of 

Selected Areas 

By Lumanti Shrestha 

Awarded Year: 2006 Completed Year: 2007 

Abstract 

The research reveals the cause and consequences of domestic 

violence against women. The study has been conducted on selected 

communities from rural, urban and semi-urban residence. The field 

sample represents women from different educational background, 

socio-economic status, ethnic communities and geographic region. 

Key research tools used by the study are: scheduled interview, 

case study, focus group discussion, in-depth interview and 

observation visit. Domestic violence refers to physical and sexual 

abuse and psychological torture. Women don’t use to report 

domestic violence because of social stigma and ill developed legal 

system. Central Women Police Cell has registered 4,019 cases 

on domestic violence between 2000 and 2006. Domestic violence 

against women is widespread in all economic classes, ethnic group 

and urban/ rural residence. The study also points that the domestic 

violence seriously hurt fundamental Human Rights. 

Key Words: Domestic Violence, Women, Human Rights, Victim 

and Legal Provision. 


Violence against Women: 

Root Causes and Consequences 

By Pramila Thapa 


Abstract 

The research explores on women violence and identifies its causes 

and consequences. Based on purposive sampling, the study 

conducted field survey between 200 married women victims of 

domestic violence from 29 VDCs of Morang district of eastern Nepal. 

The General Health Questionnaire-12, which had already been 

psychometrically tested in Nepal, was used to assess the mental 

health. Most of the respondents are housewife, uneducated and 

voiceless women. The study reveals that 81% respondents are the 

victims of psychological abuse by husband and 47% by the family 

members. Hence, women violence is rampant in surveyed VDC 

and the scenario is similar in other parts of Nepal. 

Key Words: Violence, Abuse, Women and Women’s Rights. 


Socio- Economic Factors Affecting 

Health Status of Musahar Women 

By Ram Narayan Mahto 


Abstract 

The research has been carried out in Baramajhiya VDC of Saptari 

district of Nepal. Stratified and simple random sampling method 

has been used for sampling and 285 male and 293 female have 

been selected as field survey sample. The main objectives of the 

study are: to analyze the socio-economic factors affecting health 

status of Musahar women and to explain how these factors affects 

the health of married Musahar women. Early marriage prevails in 

the Musahar community so majority of the respondent is between 

25 to 34 ages. The study indicates that 96.70% respondents are 

illiterate and none of the Musahar women has completed primary 

level education. Regarding health care, 30% had health check-up 

during their pregnancy; 35% of the respondents had tetanus vaccine 

during pregnancy; all of the respondents had their delivery without 

trained medical person and 40% of the respondent immunized their 

children according to their age. The health status of Mushahar is 

miserable due to poverty and illiteracy. 

Key Words: Musahar Women, Health Status, Illiteracy and Saptari 

District. 




By Sarojini Sharma (Joshi) 


Abstract 

The study intends to understand the root causes and consequences 

of domestic violence in Nepali society. The study is exploratory 

(qualitative) by nature and it has selected total of 60 women victim 

of the domestic violence by applying Snowball and Purposive 

sampling method. The research tools used by the study are: 

unstructured interview guide, observation, case study and focused 

group discussion. The study finds that the majority of domestic 

violence victims (38.3%) are between 30 to 39 year ages but there 

are also innumerable incidences of victim aged fifties (18.3%). 

Likewise, the study finds that the women of higher caste are more 

victimised than Janajati and Dalits- 31.3% in Brahmin vis-à-vis 16.6% 

in Janajati and Dalit. Nevertheless, the prevalence of domestic 

violence is observed across all caste groups of the study area. 

This finding therefore dispels the misconception that “It only 

happens among the lower caste and poor communities.” Likewise, 

prevalence of domestic violence is higher among illiterate (36.6%).; 

Economically sound women were less effected by domestic 

violence.; and Alcohol taker and patriarchal social values are major 

cause of women violence accounting 40% and 25% response 

respectively. Further, the study highlights that the majority of the 

respondents suffered from psychological abuse (80%) followed by 

physical assault (31.6%) and sexual abuse and harassment (10%). 

Further, the study finds out that 40 out of 60 respondents have 

different types of health problem due to domestic violence. The 

study recommends that the prevention of domestic violence can 

improve women’s health and mortality. 

Key Words: Domestic Violence, Abuse, Women, Ethnic Group 

and Health. 



By Janu Kumari Sharma 


Abstract 

The study tries to assess social status of the disabled women in 

Nawalparasi, Parbat and Bhaktapur districts of Nepal. The study 

has selected fifty disabled women purposively. The study finds 

that the majority of the respondents (54%) have physical disability 

followed by hearing disability (20%), seeing disability (14%) and 

mental retardation disability (12%). Likewise, the majority of 

respondents are Brahmin by ethnicity (36%) follow by Newar (26%), 

Magar (18%), Dalit (10%) and the rest consisting Kumal and Baniya 

(4%) follows the share. Further, 50% of respondents were illiterate. 

In term of employment status, 44 respondents have occupation 

among which 63.64% are engaged in agriculture followed by 

services (27.27%) and business (9.09%). The study further notes 

that the disable women are more discriminated than the disable 

men. 

Key Words: Disability, Women, Discrimination and Social Status. 


Plight of Widows: A Study of Dhading and 

Rupendehi District of Nepal 

By Sajana Maharjan 


Abstract 

This study aims to explore on common problems faced by majority 

of widows’ in Nepal and the evil practices that make their life 

vulnerable. The study is based on descriptive research design and 

deals on socio-economic and cultural variables so it is exploratory 

by nature. Both primary and secondary sources have been used. 

The primary data have been collected through structured 

questionnaire, direct observation, focus group discussion and 

interview. The key informants are from Nilkanth and Benighat VDCs 

of Dhading and Butwal Municipality and Thutepipal VDC of 

Rupandehi district. Total of 100 widows (33 from Dhading and 67 

from Rupandehi) have been selected for the study. The study reveals 

that the large numbers of destitute widows are leading miserable 

life. Gender disparity has played a crucial role in marginalisation of 

widows. In this regards, they are triply oppressed of being women 

and widow. They have less access on employment, property 

ownership and credit. Additionally, the most difficult aspects of 

widow abuse are the taboo on ‘telling the tale’ which prevents 

widows from speaking of their experiences. Likewise, study 

suggests that widows - struggling against abuse- need to support 

each other and the other women in similar situation. 

Key Words: Widow, Social Exclusion and Abuse. 


Women's Perception on Discrimination in 

Employment: A Case Study of Tamghas VDC of 

Gulmi District 

By Bishnu Maya K.C. 


Abstract 

This study aims to identify the general perception of women on 

discrimination in employment. The study has used primary data 

and the field survey has been conducted in Tamghas VDC of Gulmi 

District between November 2006 to February 2007. The key study 

tools and methods used by the study are: Key information 

interviews, focus group discussion, Case studies and Field 

observations. Information has been collected on the basis of random 

sampling as well as judgment sampling method. 100 respondents 

(women employees) have been randomly selected from all 

government and non-government offices (five per office) 

encompassing all available castes (Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, 

Gurung, Kami, Damai and Newar). Government office accounts 

35 respondents and non-government offices accounts 65 

respondents. The study shows that women do not perceive 

discrimination in general. However, the result shows that their 

participation in decision-making is low compared to men. The study 

recommends for the women's qualitative and competitive education. 

Key Words: Discrimination in Employment and Women’s 

Perception. 


Causes and Consequence of Girls Trafficking in 

the Selected Rescue Centres of Nepal 

By Hari Kala Kandel 


Abstract 

Girls’ trafficking is one of the major problems in Nepal. Every year, 

large numbers of poor Nepalese girls are trafficked to India and 

other parts of the World. The study explores on the causes and 

consequences of girls trafficking. A Descriptive cross sectional study 

has been conducted among 35 trafficked girls from different areas 

of Nepal. The study finds that major causes of girls trafficking are: 

poverty, unemployment, low level of education, open border between 

Nepal and India and lack of legal implementation. The study further 

points that major consequences of the girls trafficking are: social 

stigma, discrimination, psychological stress and physical and 

sexual abuse. The study shows that the highest trafficked age 

groups are 10- 15 and 15- 20 years with 34.3% response; followed 

by 20- 25 years age group and 25- 30 years age group with 25.75% 

and 5.7% response respectively. Majority of the respondents 

(25.7%) are Tamang followed by Dalit (22.9%), Chhetri 20%; other 

marginalised groups (17.1%), Brahmin (8.6%) and Rai/Limbu 

(5.7%). The study finds that 77.1 % of trafficked girls are unmarried 

and the rest 22.9% are married. The study reveals 31.4% girls are 

trafficked by the kin member, 25.7 % by agent, 22.9% by “friends/ 

restaurant customers/villagers/new comer in village” and 20% by 

their own family member. The study recommends that the legal 

provision against trafficking should be tough and it should be 

properly implemented in order to check trafficking. 

Key Words: Girls' Trafficking, Poverty and Legal Awareness. 



By Samidha Pokharel 


Abstract 

The study attempts to identify women discrimination issues and 

concerns in male dominated society. The study is descriptive in 

nature. It is based on sample survey conducted in Ichangu Narayan 

VDC of Kathmandu district. Two hundred women are selected 

randomly from 2006’s voters list. The study reveals different types 

of women discrimination at societal and household level. 

Nevertheless, societal level discrimination is found to be higher 

than household level. Both, male and female, are equally 

responsible for prevalent discriminatory practices. Married women 

perceive discrimination in mobility, property, occupation, and 

education. Similarly, unmarried women perceive discrimination in 

mobility and way of behaving. The study finds gender and 

customary practices as major factors responsible for discrimination. 

Likewise, the study identifies interlink between discrimination in 

Nepalese society and its traditional culture and misbelieves. The 

study concludes that both men and women along with societal 

norms are equally responsible for the discriminations. 

Key Words: Societal Discrimination, Women, Traditional Culture, 

Misbelieves, Societal Norms, Brahmin and Tamang. 


Dalits Women in Poverty: Consequences of 

Caste Discrimination (A Case Study of Putali 

Bazaar Municipality of Syangja District) 

By Sanjhiwani Gharti 


Abstract 

This study aims to find out economic condition of rural Dalit women 

and explore the impact of caste discrimination on women's poverty. 

Using systematic random sampling, field survey has been 

conducted between sixty-five households from 3 wards of Putali 

Baazaar municipality of Syangja district. The descriptive and 

exploratory research design has been used. Research tools 

include: Questionnaire Interview, Key informant Interview, 

Observation, Case Study and Focus group discussion. The castebased 

discrimination against Dalits is a major obstacle for socioeconomic 

development of Dalit women. The study finds that the 

discrimination is noticed in every field of life (viz. education, public 

places, employment, services and merchandise trade). The study 

finds that the caste discrimination is one of the key reasons of 

women poverty. Despite the government’s up- liftment policies, the 

conditions of Dalits have not changed significantly. 

Key Words: Dalit Women, Poverty and Caste Discrimination. 


Gender Dimensions of Nepalese Crop and 

Vegetable Production System: Evidence of Change 

across Ethnicity and Generation in Chitwan 

By Durga Devkota 


Abstract 

The study intents to analyze whether gender matters in agriculture 

production in essence of generation gap and ethnicity differences. 

For this, ethnic groups of Tharu and Brahmin/Chhetri are selected 

from Khairahani VDC of Chitwan district. The study highlights the 

changing role of male and female worker in passages of time. The 

categorization of agricultural works into male and female is slowly 

phasing out and joint involvement has come into practice. This 

incidence is more prominent in Tharu community than in Brahmin/ 

Chhetri. Further, young generation is more supportive toward joint 

involvement. So the study concludes that the gender role is slowly 

changing in agriculture production. Nevertheless, the study 

recommends for further researches to generalize the conclusion. 

Key Words: Gender Dimension, Role Change, Ethnicity, 

Generation and Agriculture. 


Women's Perception on Gender Discrimination 

in Education 

By Lila Adhikari 


Abstract 

This study deals on women's perception on gender discrimination 

in education. The study has conducted research survey between 

120 urban women of Kathmandu valley. The quantitative information 

has been collected from 70 respondents using questionnaire 

schedule and the qualitative information has been collected from 

50 participants through Focal Group Discussion and Key 

Informants. 

The study finds that the family custom is the root of discriminatory 

practice against woman’s education. Particularly, parents and 

husband discourage woman’s education and bound women in 

household work which consequently affect the women 

psychologically and socially. Further, the prevalence of poverty fuels 

such discrimination practice. 

Nevertheless, women have acknowledged that there is marginal 

improvement against discriminatory practice in last few decades. 

But, such improvement doesn’t substantially enhance women 

inclusion in education. 

Key Words: Education, Women, Gender Discrimination and Family. 


yf? dlxnfx¿sf] ;fdflhs cfly{s ca:yf M 

bf· lhNnf, pxf{l/ uf=lj=;=sf] cWoog 

By Sayni Chaudhary (Tharu) 


Abstract 

g]kfn clw/fHosf] k"j{ d]lr b]vL klZrd dxfsfnL;Ddsf t/fO{ If]qdf cg]sf} y/ 

ePsf yf? dlxnfx¿ a;f]jf; u/]sf 5g\ . o:tf cg]sf} y/ ePsf yf? dWo 

bfËsf yf? dlxnf klg Ps x'g\ . cfˆg} k|sf/sf] efiff e]ife'iff tyf ;+:s[lt af]s]sf 

oL yf? dlxnfx¿ k|flrg ;do b]lv g} t/fO{ If]qdf a;f]af; ub} { cfPsf 5g\ . 

lolgx¿sf] cy{Joj:yf tyf k]zfaf/] cWoog ubf{ lolgx¿ Hofb} sdhf]/ cj:yfdf 

b]lvG5g\ . lolgx¿sf] cfˆgf] hUuf Hofb} sd 5 / k|foh;f] yf? dlxnfsf] gfddf 

hUuf xF'b}g 

. w]/} h;f]n] clwof v]lt ub{5g\ . lolgx¿sf] k|d'v Joj;fo v]lt kflt 

ePtf klg k/Dk/fut s[lif k|0ffnLn] ubf{ k|ofKt vfBGg pTkfbg ePsf] kfOb}g\ 

tyf s[lif ahf/sf] c;'ljwf ljljw sf/0fn] s[lif Joj;fo km:6fpg ;s]sf] 5}g . 

:ynut cWoog cg';f/, yf? dlxnf hfltx¿ /fhlgltdf klg s]lx rf;f] lbg 

yfn]sfn] uf=lj=; :t/;Ddsf] / s]lx s]Gb| :t/;Ddsf] kbdf k'Ug ;s]sf 5g\ . 

h]xf]; xfn yf?x¿df klg lzIffsf] k|efjn] ubf{ r]tgfsf] nx/ km}lnb} 5 . cfˆgf] 

hfltTjsf] af/]df ;r]t x'Fb} uPsfn] hftLo sNof0f / pTyfgsf] nflu cfkm} nflu 

kg{ yfn]sf 5g\ . 

Key Words: yf? Dlxnf / ;fdflhs cfly{s cj:yf . 



Makwanpur Gadhi and Nibuwatar VDCs of 

Makwanpur District 

By Amuna Chamling 


Abstract 

This research deals on the situation of single women in the essence 

of socio-cultural and economic exclusion/inclusion. The objectives 

of this study are to carry out situation analysis of single women; 

investigate the socio cultural heterogeneity of single women; and 

highlight how the cast system and social inclusion/exclusion shape 

the individual’s life and work. Makwanpur Gadhi and Nibuwatar of 

Makwanpur district has been purposively selected because of 

potentiality of single women, accessibility of researcher, and budget 

and time constraints. The study finds that the roles of widows are 

stereotypical that confines them to the household. Most of them 

are confined to self-employed, unpaid work and low-wage informal 

sector activities. There is discriminatory in wages payment to widow 

women than male and other women. Further, they have limited 

access to resources and educational attainment. Therefore, it is 

necessary to aware society in order to empower the single women. 

Further, educational status of widows need to be improved; they 

should be encouraged in income generating activities and there 

should not be discrimination in payment of wage. Surprisingly, 

Janajati and Dalit widows are less restricted in customs like social 

movement, talking to male counterparts and wearing red colour 

clothes. 

Key Words: Single Women, Widow, Exclusion, Discrimination, 

Janajati and Dalit. 



Caste and Ethnic Groups of Nepal: A Case Study 

of Biratnagar Sub- Metropolitan City 

By Durga Kumari Tiwari 


Abstract 

This study was carried out to examine the gender discrimination in 

health practices among the different caste and ethnic groups of 

Nepal. Based on purposive sampling, the study was conducted in 

the certain wards of Biratnagar sub-metropolitan city. There is not 

remarkable discrimination in health treatment of the son and 

daughter among different caste and ethnic groups. But, there is 

significant discrimination in health of women parent in all caste 

and ethnic groups. Such discriminations are observed in: 

contraceptive use, family planning, birth spacing and ante-natal 

check up. The upper caste and Janajati are comparatively better in 

term of gender equality situation in health status than Muslim and 

Dalit women. The reasons of discrimination observed by the study 

are: illiteracy, poor economic situation, religious values, societal 

beliefs and poor government policies, 

Key Words: Gender Discrimination, Castes and Ethnic Groups 

and Health. 


Status of Slum Dwelling Women: 

A Case Study of Pokhara Valley 

By Lina Gurung 


Abstract 

This study describes the socio-demographic condition and the 

socio-economic status of women dwelling in the slums of the 

Pokhara from western Nepal. More specifically, the study explores 

and analyzes gender position in the household decision-making. 

The study is based on primary data but secondary data has also 

been used as per need. Interview schedule and focus group 

discussion are the key research tools used by the study. Out of 

the 41 slums in the 18 wards of Pokhara, only three settlements/ 

wards namely Shiva tole from ward 9, Kranti tole from ward 15 and 

Shanti tole from ward 18 has been selected for the study. Sixty 

ever-married women selected as respondents i.e. 20 from the each 

settlement. 

The study shows that Gurung and Dalit mostly constitute the slum 

community of Pokhara valley and most of the slum dwellers are 

migrants. The study finds unsatisfactory socio-economic condition 

of the women in slums. They are highly illiteracy and they have no 

facilities for capacity building. Likewise, they have limited involvement 

in social organization and decision making process. They have 

limited economic resources. Violence against these women is the 

result of their limited voice, non-representation and marginalization. 

Gender inequalities among the school going children is observed 

insignificant than in married people. 

Key Words: Slum Dwelling Women, Marginalization and Pokhara 

Valley. 


yf? ;d'bfosf dlxnfx¿df x'g] 3/]n' lx+;f M 

;nf{xL lhNnf, hAbL uf=la=;= sf] cWoog 

By Jamuna Gotame 


Abstract 

dWodfc~rn cGtu{t ;nf{xL lhNnfsf] hAbL uf=la=;=df a;f]af; ePsf yf? 

;d'bfosf dlxnfx¿df x'g] / eO{/x]sf 3]/n'lx+;fsf af/]df :ynut cWoog 

u/LPsf] lyof] . ToxfF gd'gf 3/w'/L ;j]{If0f cg';f/ (! 3/w'/Laf6 !% jif{ eGbf 

dflysf ljjflxt dlxnfx¿;Fusf] cGtjf{tf{, ;d'x 5nkmn ;fy} hflgkmsf/ 

JoflQm;Fusf] cGtjf{tf{ lnO{Psf] lyof] . :ynut ;j] {If0fdf ;xefuL hDdf (! pQ/ 

bftfx¿dWo] ^! -^&=)#Ü_ hgfn] clttdf ljleGg k|sf/sf 3/]n' lx+;f ef]u]sf] 

kfO{of] eg] s]xL pQ/bftfx¿sf] cg';f/ r]tgf tyf lzIffdf ;'wf/ ePsfn]] s]xL 

xb;Dd cfk"mdfly x'g] lx+;fdf s]xL sd ePsf] atfP . dlxnf la?4sf] lx+;fn] 

dlxnfsf] JoflStut klxrfg, zfl/l/s tyf dfgl;s ?kdf lkl8t / :jtGqtfaf6 

alGrt ePsf] kfOPsf] 5 . of] dlxnf / k'?if larsf] e]befjn] lgDTofPsf] Ps 

:jLsfg} { kg] { lttf] ;To xf] . lkt[;QfTdstf ;fdflhs agfj6 tyf d"No dfGotfn] 

e]befj tyf lx+;fnfO{ cem} al9 k|f]T;flxt u/]sf] kfOG5 . dlxnf lj?4x'g] lx+;fx¿df 

k|foM 3/]n' lx+;f g} al9 x'g] u/]sf] kfOG5, h'g n} +lus lje]bsf] sf/0fn] x'g] ub{5 . 3/ 

h:tf] 7fpF hxfF dlxnfn] ;'/Iffsf ;fy} cGo ;Dk"0f{ cfjZostf k'/f ePsf] dxz'; 

ug'{ kg]{ xf] t/ la8Djagf ToxLF dlxnfsf] zfl/l/s, dfgl;s, of}lgs tyf cfly{s 

lx+;faf6 u|;Lt x'g k'U5g\ . 

Key Words: 3/]n' lx+;f, yf? ;d'bfosf dlxnf / ;nf{xL lhNnf . 


Violence against Dalit Women: 

A Case Study of Lalitpur District 

Anita Bishankha (Sarki) 


Abstract 

Women violence is a global problem as it occurs in developed and 

underdeveloped countries. Specifically, South Asia including Nepal 

is vulnerable in women violence and the scenario is miserable in 

Dalits women because of discrimination in religious and cultural 

spheres. Violence against Dalit women acts as barriers for their 

development and personal freedom. 

This field research is qualitative by nature and it has been conducted 

between 100 Dalit women of Lalitpur District. The principal objective 

of this research study is to investigate and analyse the current 

situation of violence against Dalit women. 

The study shows that violence against Dalits Women has been 

observed between the illiterate peoples. Dalits woman with 

unemployed and alcoholic husband are more likely to face domestic 

violence. Poverty also play positive role in domestic violence. The 

study highlights that society is not defensive against women 

violence. The major forms of women violence observed in surveyed 

district are: sexual violence, teasing, harassment and rape. 

Key Words: Violence, Dalit Women and Society. 


Energizing Social Mobilization of Women 

through Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group): 

A Case of Morang District 

By Purna Kumari Lingden 


Abstract 

Mothers’ Groups (MGs), a non-political group, have played a 

significant role on women’s empowerment and mobilization at 

grassroots. This study aims to assess the role of Mothers' Groups 

in social mobilization and women empowerment. The study 

includes three MGs of Tandi VDC of Morang district in Eastern 

Nepal. The data have been collected from altogether 15 males and 

20 females of MGs’ executive members. 

The study shows that MGs primarily focus on social awareness of 

child care, primary health care, nutrition, sanitation, cleaning-up 

programmes and family planning. Nevertheless, self induced MGs 

seem more active and creative. Additionally, the study finds that 

MGs play significant role in increasing participation of women in 

School Management Committee and Forestry Users’ Groups. 54 

% of the MG members have informed that they have been involved 

in such institutions with self-motivation. However, MGs could not 

play effective role towards capacity building of mothers as they are 

less equipped in terms of education, self-confidence and 

entrepreneurial skills. Further, MGs face financial constraint as 

well as less support from social leaders. Nevertheless, the study 

recommends for large scale study for more comprehensive analysis. 

Key Words: Aama Samuha (Mother Groups), Social Mobilization 

and Women Empowerment. 



By Syaron Basnet 


Abstract 

This research study aims to understand social, cultural and 

economic situation of the displaced war widows in post conflict 

Nepal. Specifically, the study also tries to identify their physical 

and mental status and coping strategies. An exploratory and 

descriptive field research has been conducted between 25 displaced 

war widows of Surkhet district of west Nepal. Informants vary between 

20-53 years age which signifies that conflict has effected all age of 

girls. Additionally, six detail case studies have been conducted. 

The study finds that the compensation provided by state has been 

allocated to the families of state security personnel and Maoist’s 

victim. The common people whose family members were killed by 

the state security forces for being Maoist or in a cross-fire haven’t 

got any relief from government. Hence, the displaced war windows 

are not equally compensated by government. 

Key Words: Displaced Widows, War Victims and State Security. 



A Case Study of Danda Bazaar VDC of 

Dhankuta District 

By Shabnam Samal (Magar) 


Abstract 

This study deals with social problem associated wife battering in 

Magar community. In this study, wife-battering refers oral/verbal as 

well as physical abuses perpetuated by husbands to their wives. 

Magar Community (one of the Janajatis of Nepal) of Danda Bazaar 

VDC of Dhankuta District in eastern Nepal is a sample for the field 

survey. 

The research finds that Magar women are prone to domestic 

violence, particularly of wife-battering. This study shows that women 

mainly face two forms of violence: verbal and physical. The victims 

also include aged, rich and educated women which imply happening 

of such event to women with any status. The respondents said 

that the women are less defensive against such violence and few 

of them expose their condition in public. 

Key Words: Magar Community, Wife- Battering and Violence. 


An Analytical Study on Women’s Self Perception 

on Discrimination in Household Decision Making 

in Dhanusha District 

By Lilawati Yadav 


Abstract 

The research aims to analyze women’s perception on discrimination 

in household decision making. The research is based on both 

primary and secondary information. The major research tools 

adopted by the study are: field observation, questionnaire, focus 

group discussion and district level workshop. Based on purposive 

sampling, the field survey has been conducted between 100 

households from Gidha VDC and Janakpur Municipality of Dhanusha 

district. 

Among the sample of 100 respondents, married women share 89% 

followed by unmarried with 6% and with widow 5%. Further, 60 % 

respondents are illiterate; 29% respondents have their own bank 

account and the most women’s work responsibility is day to day 

housework. Specifically, the study finds that the major factors 

influencing women’s participation in decision making are: lack of 

opportunity, low level of education, lack of mobility, lack of income 

generation program, lack of property rights, patriarchal society, 

lack of information, unequal gender roles, social and cultural barriers 

and dependency on male. 

Likewise, most of the respondents are not aware of existing 

government policy on women and human rights. Thus, the study 

concludes that the women’s participation in household decision 

making limits only up to daily household level activities. 

Key Words: Women, Discrimination, Self Perception and 

Dhanusha. 


Situation of Female Poverty in Magar Community: 

A Comparative Study of Mamling VDC and Wana 

VDC of Sankhuwasabha District 

By Dil Prasad Magar 


Abstract 

This study focuses on poverty situation of female in Magar 

Community. The study has selected Mamling and Wana VDC of 

Sankhuwasabha district as the study areas. Specifically, this study 

analyzes the poverty situation in Magar female in compare to Magar 

communities. The study has adopted descriptive as well as 

comparative research design and collected both qualitative and 

quantitative data. Primary information has been collected through 

household survey, Key Informant Interview, Focus Group 

Discussion, General Interview and Observation visit. Female poverty 

situation between two Magar communities has been compared on 

the basis of determined four broad indicators (demographic, literacy/ 

educational, economic and decision making). 

The study finds that the females in both villages are primarily 

engaged in traditional agriculture and animal husbandry which are 

low income activities. Further, the percentage of economically active 

females in Mamling are higher than that of Sakhuwa (Wana VDC); 

landownership is favourable in Sakhuwa than Mamling; and the 

average annual income of Magar families in Mamling is 

comparatively higher than that of Sakhuwa because of cash farming 

in Mamling. The study highlights that the both communities have 

similar economic status but Magar females from Mamling are 

comparatively better in term of demography, education and decision 

making. So, the study concludes that the Magar women are 

economically less prosperous and the poverty incidence is higher 

among female in comparison to male. 

Key Words: Female Poverty, Magar Female, Mamling Magargaun 

and Sakhuwa Magargaun. 


Violence against Women in Marginalized 

Madheshi Community- Root Causes, 

Consequence and Prevention: A Case Study of 

Saptari District in Eastern Terai Region of Nepal 

By Kabita Kumari Mandal 


Abstract 

The research aims to explore and identify the root causes of different 

forms of violence against Madheshi women. Saptari, the district 

with highest number of village development committees (VDC) in 

the country, has been selected for field survey and the total of 100 

households/respondents from one VDC have selected for sample 

population. 

The study finds that 80 percent women of field survey sample are 

under the stress of violence and 14 percent of such women are 

single women/widow. Women from other backward castes (OBC), 

Dalit and Janajati are the most affected social groups by the 

incidence of violence. The violence includes Rape, Suicide and 

Murder. The study concludes that the violence prevails in Madheshi 

woman because of poor socio- economic status which consequently 

affects the livelihood Madheshi Dalits. 

Key Words: Madhesi, Dalit, Women, Violence and Victims. 


;'s'Daf;L a:tLdf dlxnf lj?4 x'g] 3/]n' lx+;fsf] cj:yfM 

;'g;/L lhNnf, w/fg gu/kflnsfsf] cWoog 

By Sita Bhattarai 


Abstract 

o; cWoogsf] d'Vo p2]Zo dlxnfx¿ lj?4 ul/g] 3/]n' lx+;fsf] cj:yfsf] ljZn]if0f 

ug'{ /x]sf] 5 . of] cWoogsf nflu w/fg gu/kflnsfsf] ;a} eGbf klZrd efudf 

kg] { j8f g+= !& df cjl:yt ;'s'Daf;L a:tL kmf]sNofg 6fk' 5flgPsf] 5 . To;t} 

cWoogsf] nflu 5gf}6 ul/Psf] csf]{ a:tL vf]l/of w/fg gu/ kflnsfsf] k"jL{ 

blIf0f efudf kb{5 . b'a} tL/sf dflg;x¿ lul6\6 s'6\g], bfp/f a]Rg], /S;L kfg] {, 

tyf Hofnf dHb'/L ug] { ub{5g\ . kmf]SNofg / vf]l/ofsf] cWoognfO{ x]bf{ qmdzM $& 

k|ltzt / $% k|ltzt dlxnfx¿n] !% b]lv @) jif{ pd]/ ;d"xdf g} ljjfx u/]sf] 

kfO{Psf] 5 . b'j} a:tLdf lg/If/ dlxnfx¿sf] ;+Vof a9L dfqfdf kfO{Psf] 5 / P;\= 

Pn= ;L= eGbf dfly k9\g]sf] ;+Vof cToGt sd cyf{t kmf]sNofgdf dfq @ hgf 

kfO{Psf] 5 . b'a} a:tLsf hghflt dlxnfx¿ j9L dfqfdf 3/]n' lx+;f lkl8t ePsf] 

kfOPsf] 5 . k|foh;f] dlxnfx¿n] cfˆgf] >Ldfg\af6} lx+;fsf] lzsf/ ePsf] 

atfP . dlxnf lj?4 3/]n' lx+;fsf] sf/0fdf ;a} eGbf a9L ufnL JoO{HhtL / ;a} 

eGbf sd e]befjn] 7fpF lnPsf] kfO{of] . cfk'mn] clxn] ;Dd sf/jflxsf] k|lqmof 

cufl8 ga9fP klg k|foM b'j} a:tLsf dlxnfx¿n] bf]ifLnfO{ sf/jflx ug]{ s'/fdf 

cfk'm ;xdt ePsf] atfPsf 5g\ . lx+;f lkl8t dlxnfx¿n] cfk'mnfO{ k/]sf] 

;d:ofsf] af/]df ;j{k|yd cfkm} ;dfwfg ug' { k5{, To; kl5 klg ;dfwfg geP 

5/l5d]sLnfO{ eGg' kb{5 / To;kl5 klg bf]ifLdf ;sf/fTds ;'wf/ gcfPdf 

k'ln;nfO{ vj/ ug'{ 

kg] { ljrf/ /fv] . 

Key Words: dlxnf, 3/]n' lx+;f / w/fg gu/ kflnsf . 


Gender Discrimination in Dalit Community: 

A Case Study of Sarki Community in Katunje VDC 

of Bhaktapur District 

By Usha Kiran Meghi (Gurung) 


Abstract 

The prevailing gender discrimination within the Dalit community 

has considerably thwarted the development process. The study 

endeavours to investigate the pattern of gender discrimination in 

Dalit community of Katunje VDC of Bhaktapur district. The key 

questions of the study are: i) What is the pattern of discrimination 

in social and individual (family) life as being Dalit women?; ii) What 

is the impact of discrimination in gaining benefits of development 

programmes?; and iii) What are the ways to bring Sarki women in 

the mainstream of development process? The key research tools 

include: household survey, focus group discussion, key informant 

interview and case study. Some consummate findings of the study 

include: caste based discrimination noticeably persists in the 

society and women are more suffered from such discrimination. 

Further, Patriarchy persists strongly in the study area and male 

has dominant right over the family properties. The study shows 

that there is substantial gender discrimination in Dalit Community. 

Key Words: Gender Discrimination, Patriarchy, Sarki, Dalit and 

Katunje VDC. 



By Bhima Subba Limbu 


Abstract 

Religion is not a phenomenon of recent emergence and it roots in 

socio- cultural custom of ancient time. In this regard, this study 

focuses on the status of women in Kirat religion. The major questions 

addressed by the study are: i) What is called Kirat religion? ii) 

What is the place of Kirat women in ancient period according to 

Kirat Mundhum and other old literatures? iii) What kind of authority 

Kirat women have got in participating religious activities? and iv) 

What is the current status of Kirat women in the sense of culture, 

politics, economy and education? The study finds that Kirat religion 

is a philosophy but there are substantial debates on its origin. 

Women possess high status in this religion and its rituals. 

Nevertheless, woman based discrimination also prevail in this 

religion. Further, Kirat women have poor socio economic status 

despite their high religious status. 

Key Words: Kirat Religion, Woman Status and Culture. 


3/]n' lx+;f M O{nfd lhNnf, rd}tf uf=la=;= sf 

/fO{ dlxnfx¿sf] cWoog 

By Rita Devi Rai 


Abstract 

3/]n' lx+;f ljjflxt dlxnf lj?4 dfq x'G5 eGg] dfGotfsf] ljkIfdf /x]/ /fO{ 

;d'bfoleq b'j} vfn] -ljjflxt tyf cljjflxt_ dlxnfx¿sf] lj?4 lx+;f x'G5 . of] 

ljifodf s]lGb|t xF'b} 

of] cWoogn] lgDg d'2fx¿ p7fPsf 5g\ M !_ /fO{ ;d'bfosf 

ljjflxt / cljjflxt dlxnf lj?4 s]–s:tf lsl;dsf 3/]n' lx+;f x'g] ub{5g\ o lbg] ul/Psf] 5

kf]8] dlxnfsf] ;fdflhs / cflys cj:yfM sf7df8f} + lhNnf, 


By Sarita Gautam 


Abstract 

g]kfndf g]jf/ ;d'bfo leqsf] kf]8] hflt cGoGt lk5l8Psf] cNk;+Vos / c5't 

ju{ xf] . h;df dlxnfx¿sf] cj:yf emg} sxfnLnfUbf] b]lvG5 . kf]8] hfltsf 

dlxnfx¿ ;fdflhs tyf cfly{s kIfsf] af/]df hfgsf/L xfl;n ug]{ p2]Zon] 

cWoog ul/Psf] xf] . o; cWoogsf] d'Vo p2]Zox¿ lgDg cg';f/ 5g\M kf]8] 

hfltsf dlxnfx¿sf] ;fdflhs, cfly{s cj:yf kQf nufpg', jt{dfg cj:yfdf 

kf]8] dlxnfx¿df b]vf k/]sf cfly{s tyf ;fdflhs kl/jt{gx¿sf af/]df k|sfz 

kfg'{, / dlxnf;Fu rf;f] /fVg] ljleGg ;+3;+:yf tyf ;d"xx¿nfO{ kf]8] hfltsf 

dlxnfx¿sf] ;du| ljsf;sf nflu s]lx pkfo l;kmfl/; ug'{ 

. k|:t't cWoog 

dWodf~rn ljsf; If]qsf] sf7df8f} + lhNnf, lslt{k'/ gu/kflnsf j8f g+= !& df 

a;f]af; ug]{ kf]8] hfltsf dlxnfx¿df s]lGb|t ul/Psf] 5 . o; cg';Gwfgdf 

cGj]if0ffTds (Exploratory) cg';Gwfg 9f+rfsf ;fy} j0f{gfTds (Descriptive) / 

ljZn]if0ffTds (Analytical) cg';Gwfg 9f+rf ckgfOPsf] 5 . slyt tNnf] hflt 

elgg] kf]8] dlxnfx¿sf] ;fIf/tf k|ltzt -h;n] ;fdfGo n]Vg k9\g ;S5g\_ al9 

b]lvPklg !) sIff plt0f{sf] ;+Vof eg] ;'Go /x]sf] kfO{Psf] 5 . ;Dk"0f{ 

/f]huf/jfnf dlxnfsf] k]zf s'lrsf/ /x]sf] 5 . 3/hUufsf] :jfldTj k'?ifdf a9L 

b]lvof] t/ cfˆgf] cfDbfgL cfkm'v';L vr{ ug]{ ;+Vof eg] dlxnfsf] a9L g} b]lvPsf] 

5 . oL ;Dk"0f{ s'/fx¿nfO{ x]bf{ o; ;d'bfosf dlxnfx¿nfO{ ;DklQsf] :jfldTj / 

lzIffsf] cj;/af6 alGrt u/]sf] b]lvG5g\ eg] ;fdfGo n]vk9 tyf 3/sf ;fdfGo 

k|s[ltsf lg0f{o ug] { s'/fdf eg] :jtGq /x]sf] b]lvg cfPsf] 5 . 

Key Words: kf]8] dlxnf / ;fdflhs tyf cfly{s cj:yf . 



By Sarala Sigdel 


Abstract 

lghfdtL ;]jfdf dlxnf ;xeflutf ;DjlGw ul/Psf] o; cWoogdf d'Votof tLg 

j6f k|Zgdf s]Gb|Lt /x]sf] 5 . klxnf] k|Zg, jt{dfg cj:yfdf lghfdtL ;]jfdf 

dlxnf ;xeflutsf] cj:yf s:tf] /x]sf] 5

A Study on Gender Discrimination, Nature and 

Practice in Rai and Brahmin Community: 

A Case Study of Urlabari VDC of Morang District 

By Rita Rai 


Abstract 

The study explores on the nature and practice of gender 

discrimination in Rai and Brahmin communities of Urlabari VDC of 

the Morang district of East Nepal. This study is based on primary 

data, collected from the field survey. Questionnaire survey, interview 

and focus group discussions are the key tools used in the study. 

Fifty respondents have been selected (Twenty Five each) from Rai 

and Brahmin community. The study shows that there is still gender 

discriminative behavior or/and practice in both communities. 

Specifically, such discriminatory practice are observed in the dayto-day 

activities, ritual practice and sharing of benefit. However, 

the situation in Rai community is better than the Brahmin. The 

study recommends for the effective program to eliminate the 

discriminative religious culture and tradition. 

Key Words: Gender Discrimination, Rai, Brahmin and Urlabari. 




By Nitu Chaudhary 

Awarded Date: 2007 Completed Date: 2008 

Abstract 

The study endeavours to understand the root cause and 

consequences of domestic violence among married Tharu women 

of three village development committees of Chitawan district. A 

total of 60 women were purposively selected for the field survey 

sample. The study defines the violence against women as violation 

of women's personhood, mental and physical integrity and freedom 

of mobility. The study shows that the majority of victims suffer from 

the psychological abuse (80%) and physical assault (31.6 %) The 

main causes of violence found by the study are: alcoholism (42%) 

of their husband, patriarchal social value (21.6%) and 

unemployment (20%). The consequences of the abuses found by 

the study are: psychological and emotional problem (47.5%), 

irritable bowel and chronic pain syndrome (22%) and reproductive 

health problem (15%). 

Key Words: Tharu Women, Domestic Violence, Victim and 

Abuse. 


Post Conflict Situation Analysis of Tharu Widows 

of Beluwa and Bargadi in Dang District 

By Shila Adhikari 


Abstract 

Nepal is in the post- conflict stage after a decade long political 

conflict and the remote districts were the most disturbed areas 

during the conflict period. In this regard, the study deals on the 

situation of Tharu Widows in the post conflict period. The study is 

based on primary as well as secondary information. The field survey 

has been conducted in Beluwa and Bargadi villages of Dang district 

and the research tools used during the survey includes Participant 

Observation and Informal meetings. The research finds that the 

women after being widows learn to adopt new responsibilities 

particularly the commonly termed male based work. Further, the 

study highlight that many women became widow in the conflict 

period which consequently compel them to form agencies for group 

voice in the public sphere. Nevertheless, the study reveals that 

the widows are suffering from cultural discrimination and they have 

limited source of income and less employment opportunity. So, 

the widow demands for supportive measures from government and 

non government organization. The study concludes that the situation 

of widow is miserable in the study areas despite some positive 

impact in term of adaptation and the government should initiate 

the supportive measures for widows. 

Key Words: Post Conflict, Widow, Cultural Discrimination, Income 

and Tharu. 



2 

Theme: Dalits 




A Study of Dalits' Inclusion in Nepali State 

Governance 

By Yam Bahadur Kisan 


Abstract 

The study aims to answer the three major research questions on: 

i) What is the status of Dalits' representation in the Nepal’s state 

governance?; ii) Which political, legal, social, structural and 

institutional processes have systematically excluded Dalits in Nepal 

and how?; and iii) What kind of political, social, structural, 

institutional and legal process can work to support Dalits for more 

material and non-material inclusion? Although Nepal is a secular 

republic, there still exists higher caste hegemony in civil service 

and army. Dalits are placed not only at the bottom of the Nepal’s 

social hierarchy but they are also excluded from the State 

mechanisms. Further, Dalits' representation is below one percent 

in state governance and symbolic in non-state sectors. Likewise, 

Constitutional and legal provisions for Dalits are deficient.; Existing 

laws related to Dalits have loop holes in term of implementing 

process.; and The political parties and civil society organizations 

seems sensitized on the material inclusion of Dalits. The research 

concludes with the remarks for restructuring of the state to make 

its organs, structure, mechanism, institutions, agency and agents 

more inclusive as well as Dalits motive. Secondly, the government 

has to make special provisions to Dalits in order to increase their 

representation in policy making and implementation at the State 

and Non-state level. Lastly, the constitutional, legal and procedural 

provisions have to be amended and the prejudices, perception, 

beliefs, attitude and behaviour need to be changed. 

Key Words: Dalits Inclusion, State Governance, Representation 

and Legal Provisions. 


Inclusion of Dalits in Micro- Finance Cooperatives 

in Nepal 

By Man Bahadur Bishwakarma 


Abstract 

Micro-finance is a blend of financial and social intermediation. The 

formal micro-finance programme has begun in Nepal since 1970. 

In this research study, microfinance cooperative refers to Saving 

and Credit Cooperatives (SCC) and Small Farmers Cooperatives 

Limited (SFCL) registered under the Department of Cooperative. 

The general objectives of the research are to: evaluate inclusion of 

Dalits in micro finance; identify the factors influencing inclusiveness; 

analyze the barrier of social inclusion and suggest appropriate future 

actions for the social inclusion. An exploratory and descriptive 

research design has employed in this study. Assuming sample 

sphere of microfinance cooperative, this research has selected 

420 SCC and 169 SFCL which makes total sample population of 

569. Out of these, 58 (10%) cooperatives are selected based upon 

stratified sampling method. 314 clients (198 Dalits and 116 Non- 

Dalits) and 97 Non-clients have been interviewed with structured 

questionnaires. 

Social Inclusion Factor established in this research is a noble tool 

to measure the magnitude of inclusiveness. Likewise, the research 

has explored major factors both at organizational and individual 

level that hinder the inclusiveness. The study finds that low inclusion 

of Dalits in the microfinance cooperatives. Additionally, study also 

highlights that inclusiveness promotes sustainability so the study 

proves that the inclusiveness doesn’t hinder financial sustainability 

but it increases the financial sustainability. Likewise, study 

highlights that the small income changes in poor has multiplier 

impact on their livelihood. 

Key Words: Inclusion, Dalits, Micro- Finance Cooperatives and 

Livelihood. 


Intricacies of Inter-Caste Marriage between Dalits 

and Non-Dalits in Nepal: Couples' Perspectives 

By Keshari Kansakar and Sita Ghimire 


Abstract 

The study seeks to find out the consequences of inter-caste 

marriage on hypergamous (a non-Dalit man marrying a Dalit woman) 

and hypogamous (a Dalit man marrying a non-Dalit woman) couples: 

Whether they face social exclusion in the form of socio-cultural 

and economic ostracism from families and the society? The study’s 

assumption is that families and society are likely to accommodate/ 

accept hypergamous or hypogamous couples given their level of 

education and occupation. The research was based on primary 

sample of 92 inter-caste married couples (31 hypergamous and 61 

hypogamous) from the Kathmandu valley and from the eastern 

and western parts of the country. Despite being small in sample 

size, simple bivariate analysis was also carried out to corroborate 

qualitative analysis. The study finds that the acceptance of 

hypergamous marriage by non-Dalit families and society was still 

very rare except under some exceptional circumstances such as 

lack of strong kinship network in the family, exposure to outside 

world, or the strong influential family that could overshadow the 

breakdown of social norm. Irrespective of the level of education 

and occupation, there was no acceptance of hypergamous marriage 

by non-Dalit families and society. On the other hand, non-Dalit 

natal family’s acceptance of hypogamous marriage was selective 

and conditional. Natal families accepted those Dalit sons-in-law 

who had higher education and held good job. Given the difficulty in 

getting social acceptance of hypergamous marriage by the families 

and society, the elimination of caste-based discrimination seems 

to be a big challenge. There is a need for combined and concerted 

effort from the political parties, legal system and the society 

including Dalit community to end caste-based discrimination 

prevailed in the society. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion, Family Ostracism, Hypergamous 

and Hypogamous Couples, Dalits and Non- Dalits, Socio-Economic 

Status and Social Support. 


Continuity and Change in Traditional Skills and 

Technologies among Hill Dalits of Nepal: A Study 

Based on Kami, Damai and Sarki of Kaski District 

By Biswo Kallyan Parajuli 


Abstract 

There is rapid change in traditional occupations and social 

relationships of low class people. The study aims to explore on 

the changes observed in traditional skills of Hill Dalits. Traditionally, 

Hill Dalit works as artisan, mason, carpenter, painter, builder, labour, 

tailor, tiller, musician, iron worker and shoe maker. The study 

describes the theories on caste and occupation and presents some 

of the empirical studies. The field research has been conducted 

between Dalits of Kaski district. The preliminary finding of the study 

reveals that the major income sources of Dalits are: foreign 

employment, agriculture, sewing clothes, wage labour, playing 

musical instruments, service, pension, goldsmith, wood carving 

and business. Further, the survey finds that 50 percent of hill Dalits 

posses land. The study highlights that the Hill Dalits are gradually 

shifting from their traditional work. 

Key Words: Hill Dalit, Traditional Skill and Kaski District. 


June, 2009. 




Kiran Bhandari and Gita Sob 

Awarded date: 2007 Completed Date: Ongoing 

Abstract 

For centuries, Dalits have suffered social exclusion and domination 

of state and so-called higher caste in Nepal. Nevertheless, multiparty 

democratic system has put forward some important 

amendments in order to end untouchable practice and provision 

Dalits reservation. Nevertheless, country is again in the constitution 

making process so the strong voice should be raised for Dalits 

reservation in new constitution. In this regard, the study aims: i) to 

review the reservation practice of India and Nepal and ii) to frame 

ideal strategies of Dalits reservation in Nepal. The study is based 

on literature review and primary information. The study finds that 

India has provisioned 15 percent seat of parliament for Dalits along 

with reservation of various scale in other areas. Nevertheless, same 

percentage is not sufficient for Dalits in Nepal because the state 

and non-state actors has highly tortured the Dalits sometime also 

like animals. In Nepal, government has started to address Dalits 

issue since ninth plan as a result of elite Dalit movements and 

international donors’ pressure. 

This study has been carried out in different parts of Nepal and India 

for the representation of actual political scenarios. The respondents 

of survey are Dalit organizations, leaders, government personnel, 

political parties etc. The study highlights that the reservation 

policies are not implemented by words and it will also recommend 

on the necessary revision of Dalit reservation policy. 

Key Words: Dalit Compensation / Rights, Especial Rights, 

Reservation, Government Policy, State Sectors and Non- state 

Sectors. 


July, 2009. 



Theme: Dalits 

Award Types: Research Apprenticeship 





By Amar Bahadur BK 


Abstract 

This study examines relevance and usefulness of Sanskritisation 

to study the socio-cultural changes among Dalits who are 

considered as having non-Sanskritic and polluting traditions. The 

study describes the theories on caste and Sanskritisation and 

also presents the empirical studies on it. Primary information was 

collected from four Dalit settlements of Pokhara in November, 

December, January and February 2006/2007 using anthropological 

methods such as observation and key informant interviews. The 

information was then interpreted and analyzed critically drawing 

up on the framework of Sanskritisation and caste relations between 

the Dalits and higher castes. The main finding of the study reveals 

that the socio-cultural changes of Dalits are not Sanskritisation as 

described by Srinivas mainly due to three reasons. First, the 

adoption of traditions and practices by Dalits is not true Sanskritic 

as defined by Sanskritic sculptures. Second, Dalits do not favour 

caste system, instead, are searching egalitarian, non-Brahmanic 

society where the status is not determined by one’s ritual merits 

and the caste. And third, Sanskritisation, according to Srinivas, 

requires a group involvement not an individual and the Sanskritising 

caste must claim high castes, and must achieve higher status, 

which do not seem to be present among Dalits. 

Key Words: Sanskritisation, Caste, Dalit and Socio- Cultural 

Change. 


Understanding Dalits of Nepal from Different 

Lenses: A Socio-Cultural Study 

By Anju Khadka 


Abstract 

Development programs fail to dismantle culturally nurtured 

discriminatory practice that hurts the low caste peoples like Dalits. 

In this regard, the study tries to answer three main questions: i) 

How Dalits understand non–Dalits and how non–Dalits understands 

Dalit? ii) How Dalit understand development? and iii) Are the 

development practices socio-culturally compatible? The field survey 

and in-depth study have been conducted in Palpa and Dhanusa 

districts. Major findings of the study are: i) Untouchability has been 

one of the main factors for the marginalization of the Dalits’ skills 

and knowledge; (ii) Locally nurtured legal system plays an important 

role on Dalits discrimination; (iii) There have been revolutionary 

movement against the caste based discrimination in the both study 

districts; (iv) Some Dalits caste (Dom, Musahar and Chamars) 

group’s Maijan and Dalan system do not complement the 

development programs; and (iv) Dalit’s skills and knowledge are 

underestimated by the development authorities. 

Key Words: Dalits, Non-Dalits, Caste, Discrimination, 

Untouchability and Ethno- Knowledge. 


Essence and Challenges of Special Policy 

Provisions for Dalit Inclusion: An Institutional 

Analysis of Various Organizations 

By Bharat Nepali 


Abstract 

This research deals on an institutional analysis of various 

organizations in the essence of Dalit inclusion provisions. 

Specifically, the study aims to i) identify the structures, policies 

and programs for positive discrimination in favour of Dalits; ii) assess 

the resources and advocacy efforts to provide Dalits a benefit; and 

iii) explore the mindset of Dalits and non-Dalits towards positive 

discrimination. 

The study is based on primary sources of information for which a 

field survey has been conducted in 2007. The study finds that the 

development policies and programs and their structure are not 

inclusive by nature. Further, the upper caste people (Brahmin, 

Chhetri and Newar) hold the posts of decision making level in an 

organization and Dalits are employed in the powerless level post. 

Likewise, study highlights that none of the organizations have 

developed an advocacy or specific program for Dalit inclusion and 

the Human Resources Management of most organization is not 

effective to promote Dalit. Beside, non-Dalits don’t seem to favour 

the positive discrimination or Dalit reservation that fuels anger and 

unrest in Dalit which consequently give birth to Dalit and non-Dalit 

conflict. The study recommends for effective and result-oriented 

special provisions for Dalit inclusion in the government; I/NGOs; 

bilateral and multilateral agencies. 

Key Words: Caste Discrimination, Social Exclusion, Social 

Inclusion, Empowerment, Advocacy, Dalit Inclusion, Reservation, 

Special Provisions and Institutional Analysis. 




By Rajendra Prasad Sah 


Abstract 

This study describes ethnography of Dom community, a socially 

excluded caste group of Terai. One municipality and nine VDCs of 

Siraha District have been selected purposively for field survey. In 

the Hindu caste system, Dom belongs to Sudra and known as socalled 

Achhut (untouchable). Dom is relatively a small group (8,931 

or 1.0%) among the Terai Dalits. The study finds Doms are landless 

community (94.45%). In terms of food sufficiency, 94.45% of the 

Doms community in the study area has chronic food shortage 

throughout the year. The literacy rate of the Dom community is the 

lowest than other Terai Dalits. Nevertheless, social awareness is 

gradually improving and enhancing among the Dom community 

due to the effect of modernization. The study recommends i) quota 

system for the Dom children ii) health awareness program among 

the Dom community and iii) enhancement of their traditional skill. 

Key Words: Dom Community, Ethnography, Caste System, Dalit 

and Siraha District. 


Hali System among Dalits: A Study of Hansapur 

Village Development Committee of Kaski District 

By Bharat Gotame Sharki 


Abstract 

The dominant Hindu society and culture have placed Dalit at the 

bottom level of the society and they have been facing the problem 

of discrimination. Hali Dalits are the one who plough field for Brahmin 

since ancient past. The study focused on the sociological and 

cultural analysis of Hali Dalit from Hansapur Village Development 

Committee of Kaski district. This study is based on both qualitative 

and quantitative information collected from the field survey. The 

study finds that Hali Dalits are miserable in socio- economic status 

because of illiteracy, limited land holding and un-productive 

employment. 

Key Words: Hali Dalit, Hansapur VDC and Socio- Economic Status. 



By Deependra Singh Sunar 


Abstract 

blnt ckf+ux¿sf] klxrfg tyf cfly{s, ;fdflhs, z}lIfs cj:yf / pgLx¿sf 

nflu ;/sf/L Pj+ u}/;/sf/L lgsfox¿af6 k|bfg ul/Psf ljleGg ;'ljwfx¿sf]] 

af/]df hfgsf/L k|fKt ug] { p2]Zon] of] cWoog ul/Psf] xf] . cWoogsf] p2]Zo 

k"lt{sf nflu k|ZgfjnL, cGt/lqmof, cGt/jftf{, cjnf]sg h:tf ljlwx¿sf] k|of]u 

o;df ul/Psf] 5 . o; cWoogsf nflu gd"gf ;j] {If0fdf lnOPsf] 8f]6L lhNnfsf] 

ltvftf/ uf=lj=;= j8f g+= @, #, % / * sf @$ 3/w'/Lsf s"n !@$ hg;+Vofdf 

@%-@)Ü_ ckf+u b]lvg', To:t} ;f]lx k|of]hgsf nflu s~rgk'/ lhNnfsf] dx]Gb|gu/ 

gu/kfnLsfsf j8f g+= % / !) sf @) 3/w'/Lsf s'n !%@ hg;+Vofdf @%-!^Ü_ 

ckf+u kfOg'n] blnt ckf+ux¿ !%Ü /x]sf] pNn]lvt egfOnfO{ k'li6 ug]{ cfwf/ 

e]l6G5 . cWoogsf] l;nl;nfdf ckf+utf k'?if -^$Ü_ sf] t'ngfdf dlxnf -#^Ü_ 

sf] sd b]lvG5 . gd"gf cWoogdf k/]sf ckf+utfsf k|sf/x¿ dWo] a9L zf/L/Ls 

-&)Ü_ b]lvG5 . To:t} bf]>f]df b[li6ljxLg -!$Ü_ 5g\ eg] ;':tdgl:ylt -$Ü_, 

alx/f -*Ü_ / 7'+8] 

-cf]7 sfl6Psfx¿ $Ü_ /x]sf 5g\ . gd"gf cWoogdf k/]sf 

blntx¿sf] cfly{s cj:yf cToGt} bolgo ePsf] tYo pgLx¿sf] kl/jf/sf] 

:jfldTjdf ePsf] hUufn] k'li6 ub{5 . cf}ift kl/jf/ ;+Vof * hgf /x]sf 8f]6Lsf 

ckf+u kl/jf/sf] :jfldTjdf a9Ldf # /f]kgL ;Dd hUuf b]lvG5 eg] w]/} h;f]sf] ! 

/f]kgL dfq hUuf /x]sf] b]lvG5 . To:t} s~rgk'/sf w]/} h;f] ckf+u kl/jf/sf] 

hUufsf] :jfldTj x]bf{ 38]/L dfq b]lvG5 . To;df klg sltko kl/jf/x¿ ;'s'djf;L 

b]lvG5g\ . pgLx¿sf] hLljsf]kfh{gsf] k|d'v >f]t Hofnfbf/L b]lvG5 eg] Tof] klg 

k'/} dlxgf÷jif{ kfOb}g . o;/L hLljsf]kfh{gsf] nflu Go"gtd cfjZostf k"lt{ ug{ 

g;Sgfn] hLljsf]kfh{gsf nflu hf]lvdk"0f{ sfd ubf{ b'3{6gf / cGo sf/0fn] 

zf/L/Ls ckf+utf ePsf] b]lvG5 . 

Key Words: blnt ckf+u, zf/L/Ls ckf+utf, 8f]6L lhNnf / ltvftf/ uf=lj=;= . 



By Kashi Ram Gaire 


Abstract 

The study explores untouchability and exclusion issues of Dalits. 

This study is based on both primary as well as secondary data. 

Assuming whole Dalits community as a universe for the study, 60 

respondents has been selected on the basis of quota sampling. In 

terms of economic, political and academic status, the study finds 

Kami (blacksmith) as strongest among hill Dalits followed by Sarki 

(cobbler) and Damai (tailor). While comparing the status between 

Terai and Hill Dalits, Terai Dalits are the most marginalized. Further, 

Musahars and Damai are the most marginalized group within the 

Terai and Hill Dalits respectively. 

Key Word: Dalits, Inclusion and Socio- Economic Status 


Comparative Study on Access to and Success 

in Primary Education of Mushahar Children of 

Sunsari District 

By Kumari Ambika Shah 


Abstract 

This study tries to explore the status of primary level children of 

Musahar community in Pakli VDC of Sunsari District, an eastern 

part of Nepal. Three public schools have been randomly selected 

from the VDC. From these schools, 3 head teachers, 16 teachers, 

20 parents and 24 students have been selected. The study has 

adopted qualitative research procedures. The research tools used 

by the study are: focus group discussion, participant’s observation 

and in-depth open-ended interview. The study indicates that there 

is difference in enrollment ratio of Musahar boys and girls. Likewise, 

the achievement level indicators (average score, failure rate, drop 

out rate and repetition rate) are not favorable in Mushahar 

community. Further, study highlights the factors effecting education 

as: family type, land holding, house structure, culture, rituals and 

tradition, parent's occupation and parent education. 

Key Words: Primary Education, Mushahar Children, Mushahar, 

Enrollment and Educational Achievement. 


Potentiality of Dalits’ Caste Based Occupation in 

Chitwan and Nawalparasi Districts 

By Purna Bahadur Nepali 


Abstract 

This, exploratory and descriptive research, examines the potential 

of Dalits’ traditional occupation and caste based skills in Nepal’s 

socioeconomic and political situation. The study especially highlights: 

1) economic strength associated with Dalit’s traditional occupations; 

2) socioeconomic constraints faced by these occupations; and 3) 

ways of its upgrading and modernising. Nawalparasi and Chitwan 

districts have been selected purposefully for the research. This study 

reveals that Dalits are rich in term of art, skill and knowledge of daily 

utensils which has also contributed to Nepali civilization since ancient 

past. Such skill gets transfer from generation to generation through 

the informal and experiential learning. The study shows that there 

are potentials of improvement in Dalit’s traditional skill and knowledge 

but the Dalits caste based occupation has been facing various 

challenges. It is disappearing gradually as unfavourable 

socioeconomic practice rooted against Dailts in Nepalese society 

due to country’s Hindu Based Civilization. Consequently, youth 

people are not encouraged to continue the traditional occupations. 

Therefore, state should take special initiatives to encompass Dalits’ 

caste based occupation in modern globalized economic structure 

which also happens to be the theme of WTO. Specifically, the study 

has made following four recommends: i) Strengthen the organizations 

of respective caste based occupation and raise their voice with a 

single independent national level federation; ii) Raise the awareness 

among the traditional workers to eradicate the feudal forms 

institutions (Balighare, Khalo, Khan Pratha); iii) Promotion and 

Extension of market networks nationally and internationally; and iv) 

Train and educate Dalits. 

Key Words: Dalit, Caste- Based Occupation, Social Exclusion, 

Socio- Economic Transformation, and Globalization. 


Adaptation of Dalit Skills and Technology: A Case 

Study of Chitwan and Tanahu Districts of Nepal 

By Rup Kumar BK 


Abstract 

The study explores on causes and consequences of continuation 

and change in traditional Dalit skill and technology and it excavates 

some of the hidden factors regulating the issues. The research 

has been conducted in four VDCs of two districts namely Chitwan 

and Tanahu and covers 173 Dalit respondents. The study finds 

that Dalit skills and technology along with their traditional 

occupations are in the verge of extinction. Many predecessors are 

liable to adapt other non-caste occupations due to severe stigma 

associated with the traditional occupation. Likewise, number of 

Dalits has adapted other non-caste skills to revive their social and 

economic status. The study further elaborates that the Dalits with 

less access to education and politics are changing the traditional 

occupation by learning non-caste skills such as plumber, carpentry, 

driving and others. Thus, identity of Dalit is loomed in these 

occupations which also dilute discrimination. The study points that 

sufficient investment and healthy market structure will reform and 

modernise the traditional occupation of Dalits which will 

consequently also conserve the traditional Dalits skills and 

technology. 

Key Words: Dalits, Traditional Skill and Technology and Stigma. 



By Basant Kumar Viswakarma 


Abstract 

o; cWoog–cg';Gwfgfn] 8f]dhfltsf] af/]df j}lbs sfnsf] …k'Ss';Ú, …hNnfb, 

rf08fn / tyfslyt cz'ehfltn] cl:tTj u|x0f u/]b]lv jt{dfg o'usf] 8f]d 

sxlng] ;Ddsf] cWoog ;d]l6g] k|of; ePsf] 5 . o; cWoogsf] nflu pknAw 

;fdu|Lx¿sf] ;dLIffsf cltl/Qm 8f]dhfltsf] ;aeGbf al9 hg;+Vof ePsf ;Kt/L, 

l;/xf / wg'iffdf 8f]dx¿sf] a:tLsf] :ynut cjnf]sg, 8f]dhfltsf] JolQmx¿;Fusf] 

k|Zgf]Q/ tyf lj1x¿;Fusf k|fKt hfgsf/LnfO{ ;d]t ;d]6\g] sfo{ ePsf] 5 . o; 

sfo{df k|ZgfjnL 5nkmn tyf :ynut cjnf]sg ljlwsf] k|of]u ul/Psf] 5 . o; 

hfltsf] z}lIfs, cfly{s, k]zfut cflb ljsf;df pgLx¿sf] cg';f/ rflxg] ;'wf/x¿ 

/ /fHo tyf ;dfhn] ug{ ;Sg] / ug' { kg] { ljsf; / ;'wf/sf pkfox¿sf] vf]hL o; 

cWoog–cg';Gwfgdf k|:t't ug] { k|of; ePsf] 5 . o; cWoogn] xfd|f] ;dfhdf 

k|ToIf tyf ck|ToIf cem ljBfdfg /x]sf] c;dfgtfnfO{ Go"g ug{ d2t u5{ . 

8f]dsf hftLo k]zfsf ;d:ofx¿df ;a}n] Ps :j/df afF;sf] cefj, rsf] { d"No, 

ahf/sf] ;d:of, dfu / k|lt:k4f{sf] ;d:ofx¿ b]lvG5g\ . dlxnf–k'?ifn] kz'kfng, 

afF;sf] sfd, j:t' v/Lb–laqmL ug] { u/]sf kfOG5g . hDdf ** kl/jf/ dWo] hUuf 

ePsf @ kl/jf/ cyf{t @=@& k|ltzt kl/jf/;Fu dfq cfˆgf] yf]/} hUuf 5 . 

;fIf/tf b/ *=&( k|ltzt dfq 5 . 8f]dhflt leq hftLo hdLgbf/ k|yfsf] 

k|rng /x]sf]5 . o; k|yfsf] cfwf/df 8f]d–8f]d aLr df}hf -ufpF–a:tL_ v/Lb– 

laqmL x'G5 / Pssf] hdLgbf/Ldf csf]{ 8f]dn] cfˆgf] pTkflbt 3/]n' ;fdu|L a]Rg 

kfpFb}gg\ . /fhgLlts lqmofsnfksf] If]qdf 8f]dhfltsf] ;+nUgtf z"Go kfOG5 . 

8f]d hflt ljifd kl/l:yltdf afFRg] ePsfn] /fhgLltdf rf;f] /fVb}gg . ;/sf/L, 

u}/;/sf/L tyf cGo If]qdf 8f]dhfltsf] nflu ljz]if cf/If0f (Special Resevation) 

sf] Joj:yf x'g'kg]{ hfgsf/ JolQmx¿sf] ;'emfj 5 . 

Key Words: 8f]d hflt, hftLo e]befj / 5'jf5"t . 


lntsf] hfltut k]zfn] pgLx¿sf] ;dflhs, cfly{s l:ylt 

tyf cfTd;Ddfgdf kf/]sf] k|efj 

By Tilak Bishwakarma 


Abstract 

of] cg';Gwfg cGj]if0ffTds / ljzn]if0fTds 9fFrfdf cfwfl/t 5 . of] cWoogdf 

DofUbL lhNnfsf] 5'6\6f 5'6\6} uf=lj=;=sf sfdL, bdfO{ / ;fsL{nfO{ ;dfj]z 

ul/Psf] 5 . 3/w'/L ;j]{If0f, ;+/lrt cGt/jftf{ cg';'rL, nlIft ;d"x 5nkmn, 

cfTd;Ddfg kl/If0f, d"Vo hfgsf/L bftfx¿ / cjnf]sg ljlwjf6 tYof+sx¿ 

;+sng ul/Psf] 5 . 

ljutdf hfltut k]zf blntx¿sf] lhljsf]kfh{gsf] k|d'v ;|f]t eP klg s'n @!! 3/ 

w'/L dWo] !& 3/w'/L -*=)^Ü_ n] dfq cfˆgf] hfltut k]zf ub} { cfPsf 5g\ . k]zf 

ug] {x¿df klg Jofj;fosf] ?kdf ckgfpg]x¿ !!=&^Ü dfq 5g\ . k]zf /fd|f];Fu 

rn]sf] / gub Hofnfdf sfd ug] {x¿sf] eg] cfly{s l:ylt ;Gtf]ifhgs g} 5 . 

blntx¿sf] k]zf afln3/]df cfl>t x' Fbf pgLx¿sf] cTolws >dzf]if0f ePsf] 5 / 

3/]n' sfdbf/ ;/x pRr hfltx¿sf] v]tjf/L nufot cGo zf/Ll/s >dsf] sfddf 

clgjfo{ ?kdf uO{lbg kg] { afWotfn] ubf{ blntx¿ cGo cfo;|f]t Pj+ gof–gof cj;/ 

af6 alGrt ePsf 5g\ . pkNnf] hfltdflysf] k/lge{/tf g} blntx¿ x/]s If]qdf 

k5fl8 kg'{sf] k|d'v sf/0f xf] . blntx¿sf] hfltut k]zfnfO{ ;+/lIft ug]{ xf] eg] 

o;nfO{ cfw'lgsLs/0f u/L cf}Bf]lusLs/0f ub}{ nfg' kb{5 / ;/sfn] g} ahf/sf] 

Joj:yf ldnfOlbg' kb{5 . blntsf] k]zfnfO{ cGo hfltn] ckgfpbf s]jn bdfOsf] 

n'uf l;pg] k]zfdf dfq gsf/fTd k|efj kf/]sf] 5 . blntx¿sf] cfTd;Ddfg 

sdhf]/ geP klg k]zf ug] {x¿sf] eGbf gug] {x¿sf] cfTd;Ddfg pRr 5 . ;dflhs 

lje]b, hLljsf]kfh{gsf] /fd|f] cfo;|f]t gx'g' / cfGtl/s Pstfsf] cefj blntx¿sf] 

k|d"v ;d:of /x]sf] 5 . 

Key Words: blntsf] hfltut k]zf, cfTd;Ddfg, sfdL, bdfO{ / ;fsL{ . 


6L cf/ ljZjsdf{sf] JolQmTj / pgsf] 

bnLt cfGbf]ngdf of]ubfg 

By Dil Bahadur Viswakarma 


Abstract 

o; cWoogn] bnLtsf] j:t'l:yltsf] jf/]df lrq0f ub} { oL ;d'bfoaf6 of]ubfg lbg] 

JolQmTjx¿sf] jf/]df rrf{ ub} { ltgsf jf/]df k|z:t 1fg k|bfg u/]sf] 5 eg] ToxL 

1fgn] kf7sx¿df gofF phf{ e/Llbg]5 eGg] ;Gbe{df 6Lcf/ ljZjsdf{sf] o; vf]h 

cg';Gwfg ul/Psf] 5 . 6Lcf/ ljZjsdf{ ToxL JolQmTj x'g\M h;n] ck|ToIf ?kdf 

;j{xf/f pTkLl8t, zf]lift ju{sf] g]t[Tj u/], k|ToIf ?kdf bnLtx¿sf] d'nk|jfxLs/0fsf] 

cu'jfO{ u/] . olt dfq xf]O{g, pkTosf / k'j{–klZrdsf] k[ys k[ys ;+:s[ltsf] 

bnLt cfGbf]ngnfO{ Ps} ;'qdf hf]8\g] ;]t'sf] sfd klg log}n] u/] . o:tf JolQmTjsf] 

jf/]df vf]hL ug{ oxfFg]/ cfjZos 7flgPsf] 5 . h;sf jf/]df s]xL l6sf–l6Kk0fL / 

;ldIffx¿ t lnlvt clnlvt ?kdf x'b}+ cfPsf lyP t/ pgsf] of]ubfgsf] 

t'ngfTds / ;ldIffut 9+un] k"0f{ ?kdf cfh ;Dd cWoog eg] ePsf] lyPg . o; 

cWoogdf l6cf/n] v]n]sf ljz]if e"ldsfsf] k|ltj]bgfTds cWoog ul/g'sf] cltl/Qm 

bnLtsf] cfly{s, ;fdflhs / z}lIfs oyfy{ jf/]df ;d]t emNsfO{Psf] 5 . o;sf 

;fy} /fhgLltdf pgsf] s] s:tf] e"ldsf /x\of]Ù pgsf ;dodf bnLtsf ;f+:s[lts, 

;fdflhs cjl:ylt s] s:tf] lyof] / pgsf] pkl:ytLn] s] s] ?kfGt/0f eof]Ù / 

pgs} dfu{bz{gnfO{ xfdLn] ca lsg u|x0f ug'{ 

kb{5 eGg] ;Gbe{df l;ldt /xL 

ljleGg cWofo cg';f/ o;nfO{ juL{s/0f u/L cWoog ul/Psf] 5 . h;cg'';f/ 

j0f{gfTds ljlw cg'';f/sf] 

t'ngfTds cWoog k|s[of ckgfO{Psf] 5 . 

Key Words: 6L cf/ ljZjsdf{, bnLt cfGbf]ng / bnLtsf] j:t'l:ylt . 




By Yam Bahadur Charmakar 


Abstract 

The study aims to analyze the situation of Hill Dalits' (Kami, Damai 

and Sarki) skill and technologies. The field survey has been 

conducted in Baglung district in order to trace the pattern change 

in traditional skills and technologies. The study finds that Dalit 

occupational caste groups are not adopting their traditional 

occupation as a livelihood strategy and the government has not 

yet brought package program to preserve traditional occupation. 

So, the traditional occupation and crafts of Dalits may elapse. The 

study recommends for public awareness initiatives from government 

as well community level in order to eliminate social pre-justice and 

stigma attached to Dalit’s traditional work. Moreover, the study 

suggests Government to be sensitive in Dalit’s traditional 

occupation. 

Key Words: Dalits (Kami, Damai, Sarki), Traditional Occupation, 

Castes, Social Pre-Justice and Stigma. 



A Special Policy and Challenges for Dalit 

Inclusion in Jumla District 

By Ram Sundar Nepali (Pariyar) 


Abstract 

The study deals on new dimensions to debate on Dalit participation 

and inclusion. The study is focused in Jumla district of Mid-western 

Nepal. The study reveals significant disparity in caste composition 

of senior post in the district– 36.8% Brahmin (The upper caste) in 

senior post vis-à-vis 10.5% Dalits (The Untouchable). Education 

has come out as a prime reason for such disparity as the upper 

caste has larger pool of highly qualified person. Further, Dalits 

inclusion policy has been partially understood by the organizations 

of Jumla as merely 6.8% of the organizations have adopted Dalits 

inclusion policy and none has focal person for the Dalit inclusion. 

So, Dalits should enhance their educational status in order to be 

more competitive and this should be complemented by proper 

implementation of Dalits reservation policy by word. 

Key Words: Dalit Inclusion, Reservation Policy, Education and 

Jumla District. 


Ethnographic Study of Musahar Community 

with Emphasis on Female Group: A Case Study 

of Saptary District 

By Anamika Karna 


Abstract 

The research explores on socio-economic status of the Musahars 

women of Saptary district. The field survey has been conducted 

between 54 households and 1469 people (741 male and 728 female) 

of ten Musahar settlements. The study finds that the socioeconomic 

status of Musahar women is poor. Their health, education 

and other social status are unfavourable compare to non-Dalit 

women. Likewise, mortality rate is high in Musahar women and 

pregnancy check- up rate is very low. 

Key Words: Musahar Women, Dalit, Ethnographic Study, 

Socio- Economic Status and Saptary District. 


Landlessness and Its Impact in the Life of 

Musahar: A Study of Madheshi Dalit People of 

Pothiyahi VDC in Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Jitendra Kumar Chaudhary (Kalal) 


Abstract 

The study aims to explore the effect of landlessness on Musahar’s 

livelihood. Musahar, a highly marginalized caste of Tarai region, 

are also a least studied caste group. Musahars belongs to socalled 

untouchable (Dalits in Nepali) and are excluded on many 

socio-economic aspects. Poverty prevalence is high among 

Musahar. 1.5% literacy of Mushahar in the study area reflects a 

bleak picture of Musahar’s educational status. All Musahar in the 

study area are landless so they are compelled to work in other’s 

land at low wage for their livelihood. So, the study concludes that 

the landlessness is a key factor of their backwardness. 

Key Words: Musahar, Madhesi Dalit, Landless and Socio- 

Economic Status. 


Regenerating Musicians: Motivation for Identity 

Reconstruction among the Gandharbas of 

Gotheri Gaon of Western Nepal 

By Bikram Sherchan 


Abstract 

The study deals on how a music caste group attempts to uplift 

their marginal status by utilizing mythical cues and shows how 

that subtly reflects into their musical order—their music education. 

Documenting two concurrent phenomena, the researcher argues 

that the Gandharbas, an untouchable caste group, are motivated 

to ascend their social standing from a subservient category to a 

socially valued one. The research was based upon the study of 

Gandharbas of Gotheri Gaon in Tanahu District. 

The researcher has tried to substantiate their motivation and its 

relevance by discussing two issues. First issue focuses on the 

adoption of a single ethnonym as ‘Gandharba’ from multitude of 

locally pronounced terms. Second issues focus on their borrowing 

of the Sargam / note-syllabus within their music discourse as a 

new ‘skill-measuring’ unit. 

The study concludes that social or political benefits mainly motivate 

the real interest of identity management rather than primordial 

rediscovery. Furthermore, the study defends Saubhagya Shah’s 

notion of memoreality that emphasize the actors’ intentions and 

motivation in achieving a desired social value. 

Key Words: Gandharba, Gaine, Music, Identity and Reconstruction. 




By Mahendra Prasad Sah 


Abstract 

The study endeavours to describe the ethnography of Halkhor 

community, a socially excluded caste group of Terai, Nepal. This 

caste is lowest in the Hindu untouchable groups called 'Sudra' 

(Achhut- untouchable). Halkhor are commonly known as Mehtar 

(sweeper) and their mother tongues are Hindu and Maithili. The 

two municipalities and two VDCs of Siraha district are selected 

purposively for the field survey due to majority residence of Halkhors. 

The study uses descriptive and analytical methods. Poverty prevails 

in Halkhor and the incidence of illiteracy and landless is also high. 

Their main occupation of Halkhor is sweeping and plumbing. 

Besides, they make variety of baskets. The study concludes that 

most of the Halkhor are landless or marginal landholders so their 

economic status can’t be improve through agriculture and animal 

husbandry. So, the institutionalization of their traditional skill will 

improve their economic status. 

Key Words: Halkhor, Caste- based Discrimination, Tarai Dalit, 

Landlessness and Poverty. 


Socio-Cultural Subjectivities of Landlessness: 

An Ethnographic Study of Sarki People in 

Naubise VDC of Dhading District 

By Jailab Kumar Rai 


Abstract 

This study deals with the socio-cultural subjectivities of 

landlessness among Dalit peoples (namely Sarki people). Sarki is 

the most marginalized group in term of land access in the hilly 

region of Nepal. Field survey has been conducted in 4 villages of 

Naubise VDC in Dhading district. The study reveals that Sarki has 

limited access to landholding. Despite Dalit’s traditional occupation 

is not agriculture, limited land access has acutely spoiled their 

livelihood and their socio –economic status (viz. education, health 

and income level) is miserable. Further, the study highlights that 

the political history of land management favours the higher caste/ 

ethnic groups of Nepal and hurts Dalits. So, the study recommends 

for the review of land management policy in order to improve socioeconomic 

status of Dalits. 

Key Words: Dalit, Sarki, Landlessness and Historical Process. 


Role of Bote and Musahar Communities in 

Community Conservation Management in 

Nawalparashi District: A Study from Gender 

Perspective 

By Amrita Poudyal 


Abstract 

This study primarily focuses on the relation of Bote and Musahar 

community in the biodiversity conservation process led by 

Government of Nepal. Specifically the study tries to understand 

the role of Bote and Musahar women in the community conservation 

management efforts of the buffer zone in Chitwan National Park. 

The study primarily adopts a descriptive approach though in some 

aspects can be regarded as exploratory. Primary and secondary 

information are collected through different tools and techniques. 

The study shows that the socioeconomic status of these ethnic 

communities is poor. They have low literacy rate and poor health 

status. Youths of the community discontinue their traditional 

profession of fishing and boating due to low yield and their limited 

education skill hinders them to compete in the market. Many NGOs 

and INGOs are working for the welfare of Bote and Musahar 

communities in order to minimize their dependency on national 

park. Nevertheless, government and other development agencies 

need to initiate substantive measure to empower and improve their 

socio- economic status 

Key Words: Bote, Musahar, Community Conservation 

Management, Buffer Zone, Chitwan National Park and Low Socio- 




By Raj Kumar Gandharba 


Abstract 

This research study is an attempt to review existing state governance 

regarding inclusion of Gandharbas. More specifically it endeavours 

to find out the perception of Gandharbas, Dalits and non-Dalits on 

the social inclusion and to identify the challenges of state to include 

Gandharbas in policy and decision-making process. The research 

raised the issues regarding the inclusion of Gandarba in Nepali 

state and argued that Gandharbas are suffering from social 

exclusion due to the Hindu religion. Since the research is about 

representation of the Gandharbas in the state, it will have policy 

implications in reference to mainstreaming Gandharbas in the 

Nepalese politics and security forces. 

Key Words: Gandharba, State Governance, Representative and 

Dalit. 




By Shyam Sundar Sah 


Abstract 

This study provides an ethnographic description of Chamar 

community of Siraha district. The research is descriptive by nature. 

4 VDC out of 106 VDCs in Siraha district have been purposively 

selected. From these four VDCs, 100 households out of 320 

households have been randomly selected. Majority people of the 

Chamar community still follow traditional occupation so the upper 

caste people hate them which consequently compel them to leave 

their traditional occupation. In term of land possession, field survey 

data reveals that most of Chamar people are landless; 28 percent 

households have nearly 5 Katha land; 5 percent have 45 to 50 

Katha land and 1 percent have more than 50 Katha Land. Likewise, 

75 percent have their own homeland and 20 percent have made 

their house in ailani land. In term of income earning, 27 percent 

household has annual income less than Rs. 10000 and only 22 

percent households have annual income more than 50000. Foreign 

employment plays key role in high income household. Further, 35 

percent of households have food availability for 3 months; 22 percent 

household doesn’t have any livestock; 88 percent households have 

no involvement in political activities; 32 percent households depend 

on daily wage work; 30 percent of Chamars are literate and 1 percent 

household has household member in government service. The study 

concludes that Chamars have poor socio- economic status and 

their spending habit is not rational. 

Key Words: Chamar, Poor and Socio- Economic Status. 


Causes and Process of Landlessness in Musahar 

Community: A Case Study of Siraha District 

By Rabindra Das Patel 


Abstract 

The research report presents an exploratory, district level analysis 

on Musahar community in Siraha District. This research focuses 

on the causes and process of landlessness in the Musahar 

community (Landless people) of Siraha district. The field survey 

has been conducted between 150 household of 4 Village 

Development Committee in Siraha The data collection instruments 

include: non-participant observation, structured interview, household 

survey, key informant interview and focus group discussion. 

The Musahar communities in the study area are backward, 

exploited, illiterate, marginalized, poor, unclean, politically voiceless 

and culturally inferior. Local peoples say that Mushars had migrated 

to Nepal seven century ago from southern neighbour India. However, 

there is no concrete evidence to corroborate the fact that these 

people have actually migrated seven century ago or settled in Nepal. 

Rampant landlessness in Musahar results: settlement in forest 

and public lands, limited credit access, illiteracy, poor health and 

unsecured employment. Further, study finds that Musahars have 

habit of remaining idle. Despite innumerable small scale 

employment opportunities (viz. handicraft) are available in the rural 

area of Terai, the survey finds only 4.29% Musahar are engaged in 

12 months. Landlessness hinders socio- economic development 

of Musahar but they also need to improve their lazy behaviour. 

Key Words: Musahar, Terai Dalits, Landlessness and Socio- 

Economic Development. 


A Study on Reservation/Affirmative Action of Dalit 

in Humla District 

By Megh Bahadur Pariyar 


Abstract 

This study attempts to examine the reservation action of Dalits in 

three VDCs of Humla district in mid western region of Nepal. Among 

the total of 348 Dalits population in Humla, the study has selected 

80 Dalits household for field survey. 

The study finds that: Most of the Dalits are in poor conditions; 

They have limited access to income generating opportunities; 

Illiteracy is rampant in Dalits (40% literacy); and They have limited 

land possession. In term of employment, most Dalits are engaged 

in non- agriculture work due to limited the agriculture opportunity 

in Humla. Further, most Dalits are involved in seasonal job in India. 

It has been observed that the reservation actions have not been 

implemented by word in Humla so Dalit are not able to improve 

their status. Thus, there is an urgent need of affirmative actions to 

minimize and solve the problems of illiteracy, low income and limited 

political involvement among Dalits. 

Key Words: Dalits, Reservation, Affirmative Action and Humla 

District. 


Effects of Intra-Dalit Untouchability on Social 

Harmony: A Case Study of Arghakhanchi District 

By Subhash Nepali 


Abstract 

The research study deals on effects of Intra-Dalit untouchable on 

social harmony. The study focuses on problem associated with 

discrimination within Dalit communities of Arghakhanchi district in 

western Nepal. Three VDCs from Arghakhanchi district has been 

purposively selected as field survey site. The research study adopts 

ethnographic approach and it is descriptive and explanatory in 

nature. The research finds that the untouchability and discriminatory 

practices exists in certain social and individual behaviour. The intra- 

Dalit untouchability persists in daily life’s event. The study has 

categorized these discriminatory practices into different forms viz. 

drinking water, taking cooked food and entering houses/temples. 

Further, the caste discrimination prevails in marriage relation within 

Dalit community. The upper castes Dalits could not marry the 

lower caste Dalits. The intra-Dalit married couples are not allowed 

to entry house and they are socially boycott. The study 

recommends that the Intra-Dalit discrimination should be declared 

as crime. 

Key Words: Intra-Dalits Untouchability, Hill Dalits and 

Discrimination. 


Problems and Perspective of Panchai Baja 

Players: A Case Study of Damai Community 

of Kaski District 

By Prem Bahadur Nepali 


Abstract 

The process of modernization and industrialization has replaced 

most of the caste-based traditional occupations. Among the 

traditional occupations, the Panchai Baja is a part of Nepalese 

culture and these musical instruments are played by Damai (one 

of the hill Dalits of Nepal) in rituals and festivals. But, Panchai 

Baja is in deplorable condition because of caste hierarchical 

system, untouchability and inhuman behaviour of higher caste. 

The research study attempts to analyze the impact of Panchai 

Baja in Nepalese society and the socio-economic condition of the 

Panchai Baja players. The study has carried out an intensive field 

survey in Pokhara municipality and Bharat Pokhari VDC of Kaski 

district in Western Nepal. The totals of 63 Damai households have 

been selected for the field interview using judgmental sampling. 

Other qualitative research tools used by the study are: Focus Group 

Discussions and Key informant interviews. Majority of respondents 

(39%) said that Panchai Baja should be preserved and government 

should initiate proper plan and policies to preserve Panchai Baja. 

Interestingly, 25 percent respondents said that the civil society is 

concerned to promote and preserve Panchai Baja. 

Key Words: Panchai Baja, Damai, Dalits, Government Initiation 

and Preservation. 



By Bal Maya Bishwakarma 


Abstract 

Nepali society is deeply influenced by the Hindu Caste system 

with the hierarchy of different groups of people and Dalits so-called 

“untouchables” is the lowest rank in the hierarchy. Further, Musahar 

is one of the Terai Dalits perceived as lowest rank in the social 

status. The study aims to analyze the educational status of 

Musahar and to identify the obstacles to improve their educational 

situation. Primary data has been collected using structured 

interview. Among 202 Musahar children surveyed by the study, 72 

children are attending school, 97 children have never been to school 

and 33 children are drop outs. The main responded causes for no 

going school are: financial constrains for school admission, illiterate 

parent, taking care of the siblings at home, graze the cattle and 

household work. Further, study has identified language barrier as 

a reason for low educational attainment. The study concludes that 

the educational status of Musahar is miserable. 

Key Words: Musahar, Education, School Drop-out, Terai Dalit and 

Saptari District. 


l;dfGts[t xnvf]/ ;d'bfosf] hftLo cWoogM 

;Kt/L lhNnfsf] /fhlj/fh gu/kflnsfsf xnvf]/ 

;d'bfodf ul/Psf] cWoog 

By Seema Vishwakarma 


Abstract 

xnvf]/ hfltsf ;fdflhs 9fFrf / cfTdk/s ;f]r s] /x]5, a'‰g' o; cWoog 

cg';Gwfgsf] d'Vo p2]Zo /x]sf] 5 . o; p2]ZonfO{ xfl;n ug{ cg';Gwfgdf 

k|fylds tYodf hf]8 lbPsf] eP klg ;xfos (Secondary) tYo ;d]tsf] pkof]u 

ul/Psf] 5 . ;Kt/L lhNnfsf] ;b/d'sfd /fhlj/fh gu/kflnsf, xnvf]/ hfltsf] 

a9L cfjfbL ePsf]n] o; hfltsf] cWoog ToxLF ul/Psf] 5 . 5'jf5"tsf] cj:yf 

/x]sf] lxGb" ;dfhdf t/fO{df 8f]d / xnvf]/ hflt blnt ju{df ;aeGbf k5fl8 

k/]sf] cNk;+Vos hflt dflgG5 . pgLx¿n] lhpdf 5f]Pklg u}/blnt jf cGo 

blntx¿ g'xfP/ u+ufhn 5s] {/ z'4 x'g] rng cem 5 . o; hfltsf] k/Dk/fut 

hftLo k]zf zx/ ahf/sf] 3/, sfof{no uNnL, af6f]3f6f]sf] ;/;kmfO{ ug'{ /x]sf] 

kfOG5 . clxn]sf] kl/j]zdf o; hfltsf dflg;x¿ ;/sf/L sfof{nodf d]:t/ 

(Sweeper) kbdf lgo'lQm kfpF5g\ . o; kbdf xfn;Dd cGo hfltsf JolQmx¿n] 

k|ltof]lutf gu/]sf] x'Fbf d]:t/sf] k]zf :jtM ;'/lIft /x]sf] kfOG5 . wfgafnL / 

cGo afnL x'g] Psw'/ klg hUuf gePsf sf/0f k|foM xnvf]/ hflt v]tLug{ hfGb}gg\ 

/ ;/;kmfO{ tyf ;' Fu'/kfngsf] cltl/Qm cGo s'g} ;Lk ghfg]sf] x' Fbf hLjg lgjf{xdf 

cToGt si6 ef]Ug'k/]sf] b]lvG5 . s[lif jf cGo sfo{df dhb'/L ug{ rfx]klg 

xnvf]/nfO{ c5't dflgPsf] sf/0f s;}n] sfd lbg rfxFb}gg\ . xnvf]/ hfltsf 

cfly{s ;d:ofx¿nfO{ lgDg c'g;f/ pNn]v ug{ ;lsG5M xnvf]/ hfltdf a]/f]huf/L 

a9L x'g', k/Dk/fut ;Lk, cfw'lgsLs/0f gx'g', j}b]lzs /f]huf/df kx'Fr 

gx'g', 

;'s'Djf;L x'g', Hofnf dhb"/Ldf plrt Hofnf gkfpg', blnt pTyfgsf nflu ul/g] 

sfo{qmd ul/aL lgjf/0fnfO{ cfwf/e"t l;4fGt gagfOg' . o; hfltsf] z}lIfs 

l:ylt cToGt bogLo /x]sf] kfOG5 . 

Key Words: d]:t/ (Sweeper), xnvf]/ / ;fdflhs cly{s cj:yf . 


A Study of Untouchability in Relation to Social 

Maladies: A Case Study of Lahan Municipality 

of Siraha District 

By Sabur Lal Ram 


Abstract 

The study deals with untouchability persist in Nepali society and 

it’s relation with social maladies. Specifically, study aims to identify 

the nature of untouchable custom prevail in the society and measure 

its intensity and effects. The Chamars (Terai Dalit Caste) community 

in Lahan Municipality of Siraha district has been selected for case 

study. The study has followed descriptive and analytical research 

design. Chamar respondents have been selected for the data 

collection using random sampling techniques. The data collection 

instruments include: structured questionnaire and semi-structured 

interview. 

The study finds that untouchability hurts Chamars psychological 

(viz. inferiority complex, lack of self respect and lack of selfconfidence). 

Further, untouchability leads to unequal legal treatment 

to Chamars and the untouchable custom has also discouraged 

Chamars to continue their traditional leather work. Against 

untouchability, Chamar have launched movement in Siraha and 

Saptari districts and this movement has slightly discouraged 

untouchable custom against Chamars. The study concludes that 

the untouchable custom have negative impact on discriminated 

community 

Key Words: Untouchability, Chamar Movement, Terai Dalit and 

Psychological Impact. 


Quest for New Identity- Dreams and Realities: A 

Case of Caste and Religion Change among Dalits 

By Dhan Bahadur Sunar 


Abstract 

This research aims to analyze the trend of religion and caste change 

among Dalits of Nepal. The study has been conducted between 

the sample population of 100 Dalits from Kathmandu, Pokhara 

and Chitwan who have changed their religion and caste (surname). 

The study finds that most Dalits changes their religion and caste 

(surname) because they are disappointed with Hindu religion and 

its discriminatory approach against Dalits. Furthermore, new religion 

and caste (surname) offer them prestige, money and other benefits. 

Nevertheless, the study recommends a pervasive study for specific 

conclusion. 

Key Words: Caste Change (Surname), Religion Change, Dalits 

and Hindu Religion. 



By Hem Bahadur Lamsal 


Abstract 

The study aims to examine the intra-Dalit untouchability situation 

prevail in Nepal. The study has selected 3 Village Development 

Committees from Mahottari district for field survey. Beside 

questionnaire survey, the study has used the following research tools: 

Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews, and Case Study. 

The study finds that the different forms of untouchability prevailed 

among Dalit community. Such discrimination includes: restriction 

of entering home and religious places; denial of entry to newly 

inter-caste married couple; denial of food, water and services; denial 

of kinship; denial from life cycle rituals; denial of leadership; and 

others. The traditional Hindu religion is primarily responsible for 

intra-Dalit untouchability. The other factors that fuel untouchability 

practice include: society and state, the incompetent legal process, 

illiteracy and intra-Dalit poverty gap. The study also highlights that 

the intra-Dalit untouchability makes the Dalit movement weak, it 

damages Dalit solidarity and unity, it escalates conflict and tensions 

among Dalits and it delays the overall development. 

The major recommendations made by the study to wipe out the 

intra-Dalit untouchability practices are: to initiate a culture to accept 

intra-Dalit marriage; to initiate inclusion approach in Dalit 

organizations, to develop the single 'Dalit Community'; to modernize 

the traditional profession; to provision reservation for Dalits in the 

national policy; to organize campaign for social justice, equality, 

social relationship, harmony and other rights; and to launch the 

Dalit empowerment and inclusion program granting first priority to 

the neediest Dalit castes within Dalit community. 

Key Words: Intra-Dalit Untouchability, Hindu Religion, Poverty, 

Illiteracy and Dalit Movement. 


Domestic Violence against Dalit Women 

in Mahottari District 

By Reena Ghimire (BK) 


Abstract 

This explanatory research aims to understand the domestic violence 

against Dalit women of Mahottari District of Nepal. The field survey 

has been conducted in 2 VDCs and 1 Municipality of Mahottari 

district. 97 percent women in the surveyed area face violence from 

alcoholic husband. The violence includes verbal assault, beating, 

slapping and marital rape. The significant violence victims need 

medical treatment. The social norms and fear of cruel husband 

discourage victims from reporting the violence. Nevertheless, the 

legal system of the country is biased toward women so the culprits 

are rarely punished. Further, second marriage and polygamy is 

also a reason of woman’s violence. The study suggests that the 

high incidence of woman violence prevailed in rural Dalit community 

should be checked in order to improve health status of Dalit women. 

Key Words: Dalit, Domestic Violence, Rural Community and Health 

Status. 



By Sita Kumari Bishwakarma 


Abstract 

of] cWoogdf tLg j6f j8fdf a;f]jf; ub} { cfPsf sfdL, bdfO{ tyf ;fsL{x¿sf] 

3/w'/L ljj/0f tyf cfjZos cGo tYof+sx¿ k|ZgfjnL k|of]u u/L lnOPsf] 5 . 

h;df hDdf $& 3/w'/L sfdL, ^ 3/w'/L bdfO{ / % 3/w'/L ;fsL{ u/L hDdf %* 

-tLg j6f j8fsf ;a} blnt_ 3/w'/L lnOPsf] 5 . ^ j6f ;d"xdf -blnt tyf u}/ 

blnt JolQmx¿;Fu_ ;d"x 5nkmn tyf !%=hgf k|d'v hflgkmsf/;Fu cGt/jftf{ 

lnO{ cWoogsf nflu cfjZos tYox¿ ;+sng ul/Psf] 5 . cWoog If]qdf 

blntx¿ dWo] $& k|ltzt blntx¿ afnL3/] k]zfdf cfj4 /x]sf 5g\ . 

afnL3/] k]zfdf cfj4 blntx¿ dWo] && k|ltztn] kmnfdsf] sfd ug]{ u/]sf] / 

@# k|ltztn] sk8f l;nfpg] tyf afhf ahfpg] sfd ub} { cfPsf 5g\ . *$ 

k|ltzt blntn] cfkm"n] ckgfpFb} cfPsf] k]zfdf hftLo lje]b ;xg' k/]sf] 5 . 

hDdf blntx¿ dWo] *) k|ltztn] pgLx¿n] ckgfpFb} cfPsf] k]zfaf6 cfly{s 

cfo /fd|f] gx'g] atfP . $* k|ltzt blnt ;d'bfon] s[lif k]zfdf tyf cGo 

j}slNks k]zfsf] ?kdf !# k|ltzt blnt 3/agfpg] sfd, !! k|ltzt blnt 

l;sdL{ sfd, ( k|ltzt blnt rf]ofsf] sfddf tyf !# k|ltzt blnt ef/t tyf 

cGo vf8L If]qdf j}b]lzs /f]huf/df hfg] u/]sf 5g\ . k/Dk/fut k]zfdf sRrf 

kbfy{ uf]n gkfpg], hftLo lje]b x'g], zf/Ll/s ?kdf sfd ug{ ufx|f], afnL p7fpg 

hfg ;d:of tyf ;a}sf] sfd Ps} ;dodf ug{ 'kg] { h:tf ;d:ofx¿ /x]sf 5g\ . 

afln3/] sfd ug] { blntx¿sf] k]zf :jf:Yok|b 5}g . o; k]zfdf sfdL hflt 

cf/gdf uf]nsf] sfnf] w'nf]df kmf]xf]/ sk8fdf lbg el/ g} a;L sfd ug{' kg]{, #÷$ 

s]hLsf 3gx¿ prfnL kmnfdnfO{ lk6g' kg] {, uf]n agfpFbf 7"nf sf7sf d'9fx¿ 

lr/]/ cfuf] agfO{ uf]n tof/ ug{ 'kg] { h:tf s8f d]xgt hGo k]zfn] ubf{ pgLx¿sf] 

:jf:Yodf k|lts'n c;/ kl//x]sf] b]lvG5 . 

Key Words: afnL3/] k|yf, blnt ;d'bfo, sfdL, bdfO{ / ;fsL{ . 


;+qmd0fdf k/Dk/fut k]zf / k"jL{ O{nfdsf bdfO{ / sfdLsf] 

kl/jlt{t k]zfdf k':tfut ;+nUgtf ;DaGwL Ps cWoog 

By Ramesh Kumar Rai 


Abstract 

of] cWoogn] ;+qmd0fdf /x]sf bdfO{ / sfdLsf] k/Dk/fut k]zf vf; u/]/ k':tfut 

?kdf kl/jt{g eO/x]sf 5g\ eGg] dfGotfnfO{ cf+sng u/]sf] 5 . o; cGtu{t 

tLg j6f k':tfaLrsf] cGt/ s]nfpg] k|of; ePsf] 5 . of] cWoogdf bdfO{ / 

sfdLsf] k/Dk/fut hLljsf]kfh{gsf] ;Gbe{df afnLsf] dxŒj÷e"ldsf tyf jt{dfg 

k':tfsf] k/Dk/fut k]zfk|ltsf] b[li6sf]0f 5 . å}wfTds cy{tGqsf] l;4fGtnfO{ 

cfwf/ dfg]/ leGg–leGg d'2fx¿nfO{ lnP/ j0ff{s 9+un] ljZn]if0f ul/Psf] 5 . 

kl/jlt{t k]zfsf] af/]df hfGg / k/Dk/fut k]zfsf] k|efj ;DaGwL yk hfgsf/Lsf 

nflu lgDg ljlzi6 pb]Zox¿ lglb{it ul/Psf 5g\Ù !_ bdfO{ / sfdLsf] k/Dk/fut 

hLljsf]kfh{gsf] ?kdf afnL k|yfsf] e"ldsf / jt{dfg cj:yf ;DaGwL cWoog ug] { 

/ @_ k]zfut ;+qmd0fsf] ;Gbe{df afa' k':tfsf] k]zf, jt{dfg k':tfsf] d'Vo cfo>f]t 

/ gofF k':tfsf] k/Dk/fut k]zf ;DaGwL clwk|fo hfGg k|of; ug] { . 

g]kfnL ;dfhsf] hl6ntf eg]s} txut ;+/rgf xf] . blnt elgg]x¿nfO{ o:tf] 

;+/rgfsf] k'R5/df /flvPsf] 5 . blnt dWo]sf bdfO{ / sfdLsf] 5'§f5'6} k/Dk/fut 

k]zf klg 5 . oL b'O{ ;d'bfo;Fu ;DalGwt afnLk|yf olta]nf cl:tTjljxLg 

cj:yfdf 5 . k/Dk/fut k]zfsf] Joj;flos/0f tyf k]zfdf ljljlws/0f tyf 

k]zfdf ljljlws/0fn] afnL k|efljt aGg k'u]sf] xf] . k/Dk/fut s[lif cy{tGqaf6 

;dfh ahf/ cy{tGqdf ?kfGt/0fsf] k|lqmofdf sltko k'/fgf k|yf / k/Dk/f cJojxfl/s 

;fljt ePsf 5g\ . kl/0ffdtM bdfO{ / sfdLsf] k/Dk/fut k]zf ;+qmd0fsf] 

cj:yfdf 5 . 

Key Words: bdfO{, sfdL], k/Dk/fut k]zf / afnL k|yf . 


Social Exclusion of Musahar: Interplay of Caste, 

Class and Power in Chandra Ayodhyapurur VDC 

By Kasindra Yadav 


Abstract 

Nepal adopted Hindu based caste system since the ancient time 

so the country has long history of social exclusion against Dalits 

(an Untouchable Community). In this regards, this study deals on 

the social exclusion practices prevailed against Musahar, the 

second largest population caste among Terai Dalits. The study 

also explores on the proper inclusion procedure of Musahar in the 

development process. The field survey has been conducted between 

171 Musahar households from Chandra Ayodhyapur VDC of Siraha 

district. The study finds that the Musahar faces extreme rage of 

social exclusion which results poor socio- economic outcome. 

Specifically, Musahars have limited access to livelihood assets; 

they own small land size and limited live stock and there is high 

illiteracy and low health status among Musahar. The study suggests 

that the government should initiate the social inclusive policy. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion, Dalits, Musahar and Poor Socio- 



Ethnographic Study of Chamar (Madeshi Dalits) 

Community of Saptari District 

By Nathuni Mochi 


Abstract 

Dalits, an untouchable community of Nepal, has low socioeconomic 

status. They are also socially excluded by prevalent 

discriminatory practices. In this regard, this study focuses on 

Ethnographic survey of Chamar, the most labour community among 

Terai Dalits. The field survey has been conducted between 98 

Chamars from Malahaniya VDC of Saptari district. The research 

tools used by this study are: Household Survey, Semi- Structured 

Interview, Participant’s Observation and Case Study. The study 

finds that: Chamars are mostly engaged in agro labour; They have 

less land holding; Few Chamars have food sufficiency for one year; 

and There is prevalent illiteracy. The income status and expenditure 

pattern of Chamars are not favourable. The study concludes that 

the socio- economic status of Chamar is poor. 

Key Words: Chamar, Discrimination and Socio- Economic Status. 


Socio - Economic and Political Status of 

Pattharkatta: A Case Study of Kapilvastu District 

By Nirak Bahadur Sunar 

Award Year: 2007 Completed Year: 2008 

Abstract 

The research aims to analyze the social, economic and political 

status of Pattharkatta, an untouchable Madheshi Dalits. The study 

has conducted field survey in ten village development committee 

and one municipality of Kapilvastu district. All Pattharkatta 

households of the district have been included in the sample since 

the population of Pattharkatta community is small in district with 

sixty six numbers of households. The study reveals that the 

Pattharkatta community has severe socio- economic and political 

condition. Poverty situation is rampant in this community along 

with illiteracy, landlessness and health problem. Likewise, 

Pattharkattas are mostly engaged in low pay employment. Further, 

the caste based discrimination against Pattharkatta which limits 

them to make proper use of their in- born skill. Further, the study 

reveals that there is limited participation of Pattharkatta in politics. 

Key Words: Pattharkatta, Untouchable Madheshi Dalits, Socio- 

Economic Status and Poverty. 


Livelihood Situation of Haliyas and Landless 

Peoples of Dalit Community 

By Khadga Bahadur Ramtel ‘Mandip’ 


Abstract 

Dalits, an untouchable caste of Nepal, are poor in term of land 

ownership which is regarded as principle source of livelihood for 

majority peoples of Nepal. Most of the Dalits are engaged in their 

traditional craftsmanship but their limited access to land make 

their socio economic status poor. Further, Haliya from Dalit 

community who are compelled to plough higher caste’s land are 

more hurt due to absolute landlessness. Against this background, 

the study aims i) to examine the socio-economic condition of 

landless among Haliyas Dalit and ii) to assess the socio- economic 

change among Dalits after external intervention and iii) to put forward 

the recommendations. Doti district has been selected for field 

survey. The study finds that the socio economic condition of Haliyas 

and landless peoples of Dalits community is poor due to 

landlessness and limited livelihood sustenance. The study 

highlights that the discriminatory practices prevail in the country 

despite constitutional commitment on anti-discrimination. Further, 

the study recommends for strong policy measure for equitable land 

management. 

Key Words: Haliya, Dalit, Landlessness and Livelihood. 


A Study on Inter- Caste Discrimination among Dalits 

By Tek Bahadur Sunar 

Awarded Year: 2007 Complete Year: 2008 

Abstract 

Nepal’s centuries-old caste system has discriminated Dalits as 

being untouchable. Nevertheless, Dalits are not only discriminated 

by higher caste people but inter- Dalits discrimination also prevail 

in society. Against this background, the study aims: i) To identify 

Intra-caste hierarchy among the Dalits; ii) To explore the various 

discrimination practices, and their causes among Dalits iii) Explore 

the consequences of intra-caste discrimination among the Dalits/ 

Dalits movements and iv) To identify the possible ways to reduce 

discrimination. The field survey has been conducted in Kau V.D.C 

and Phoolbare Wards of Pokhara Sub- Metropolitan of Kaski district. 

The study finds that Sunuwar and Nepali rank first in the Dalits 

hierarchy followed by Damai. The discriminations range from 

restriction on entrance to marriage. Further, the study finds 

prevalence of such discrimination due to illiteracy, wealth gap and 

limited participation in political and development activities. Such 

discrimination seriously hurts Dalit movement and the enhancement 

of Dalit community. The study suggests for educational improvement 

among Dalits to check such discrimination. 

Key Words: Inter- Dalits Discrimination, Intra-Caste Hierarchy and 

Education. 


3 

Theme: Janajati 




Social Inclusion/Exclusion in Relation to Tharu 

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices 

By Gopal Dahit 


Abstract 

The objective of the research is to prepare a detailed document of 

Tharu indigenous knowledge and analyse social inclusion/exclusion 

theories for its protection, promotion and development. More 

specifically, key objectives of the research are to prepare a strong 

base in favour of Tharu indigenous knowledge and to prepare 

authentic written document for the promotion of indigenous 

knowledge of Tharu in the world. The research has covered different 

vicinities: six districts of Tharuhat, other nine districts where Tharu 

reside and West Champaran and Bhamar of India. In the survey, 

total of 450 Tharus have been included in sample; thirty two case 

studies of Guruwa, Baidawa, and Kulapani Chaudhary have been 

prepared and Total of 7 one-day group discussions has been 

conducted. 

The research shows that Indigenous practices still flourish in the 

places where majority of Tharu reside. However, the tradition has 

abolished in places where the minority of Tharu reside. The fullfledged 

religious activities has confined to 25% villages. It signifies 

that the Indigenous Tharu medicinal system is gradually losing its 

significance. In addition, the Indigenous Tharu medicinal system 

is not recognised by the government so it does not receive any 

support. Government and NGO emphasise on allopathic medicinal 

system and western-based education which consequently hurt 

indigenous knowledge. In conclusion, indigenous knowledge is not 

well maintained and government should initiate substantive measure 

to promote the indigenous knowledge. 

Key Words: Tharu, Indigenous Knowledge and Practices, and 

Government Support 


Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, Skill 

and Practices of Kirat Nationalities with Special 

Focus on Biological Resources 

By Kamal Maden, Ramjee Kongren and Tanka Maya Limbu 


Abstract 

The research aims to explore and document the existing Indigenous 

Knowledge, Skill and Practices of Kirat Nationalities in Biological 

Resources. The field research had been carried out between October 

2006 to early 2008 period in 6 VDCs from Sankhuwasabha, 

Taplejung and Bhojpur districts. The study had conducted literature 

review of relevant documents on Indigenous Knowledge, International 

Conventions, Treaties and Agreements, National Plan and Policies 

and Legal Documents. The key research tools include: Key 

Informant Interview, Jungle Walk for Specimens Collections, 

Questionnaire Survey, Observation Schedule and Specimen 

Identification. 

During field survey, total of 198 wild plants and 14 animal species 

were documented. Among them, 26 plant and 13 animal species 

were recorded as new medicinal plant and animal species for Nepal. 

Plant species were found to be used mainly for 18 different health 

problems. Similarly, 130 wild plant species were documented as 

edible fruit, curry, species and other various livelihood purposes. 

The research finds that the Kirat shamans are the practitioners 

and few Kirat personnel are also herbalists. They have such 

knowledge since the time immemorial. But, their knowledge, skill 

and practices are rapidly abolishing so there is an urgent need to 

document their knowledge, skills and practices. In this regards, 

government needs to bring law on Access of Benefit Sharing to 

encourage the Indigenous peoples to conserve their knowledge 

associated with biological resources. 

Key Words: Indigenous Knowledge, Benefit Sharing, Kirat, Medical 

Plants and Animal Species. 



By Krishna Hachhethu 


Abstract 

Ethnic exclusion exists in Nepal since ancient time. Nevertheless, 

several ethnic and regional movements have marginally discouraged 

such exclusion practice. Further, the ethnic and regional movements 

have also been fueled by Maoist insurgency, NGOs and civil society 

movements, donors’ back up and Jana Andolan II. In consistence 

to the background, the study aims to explore relationship between 

state and ethnicity at both macro and micro level. Specifically, the 

study explores (a) the problems associated with exclusion in Nepal 

(b) position of Madheshi and Janajati in social- economic and 

political power structures of the country (c) ethnic and regional 

activism in Nepal (d) impact of ethnic and regional movements on 

the state/government’ policy, plan and program and (e) mechanism 

of inclusion. The study is based on archival research and field 

based empirical investigation. The field survey has been conducted 

in Kaski and Dhanusha districts to understand the reason behind 

the Janajati movement and Madheshi activism. 

Key Words: Democracy, Janajati, Madheshi, State and Ethnicity. 

Note: This study has not completed yet and it will complete on July, 2009 



By Uddhav Prasad Rai 


Abstract 

Food is a basic requirement for life. Nevertheless, many human 

beings are not fortunate even for single meal per day and Chepangs 

is one of such indigenous group in Nepal. Although, the historical 

evidences reveal their engagement in agriculture since ancient past, 

the cultivation barely supports their livelihoods. So, they later started 

to hunt and gather wild product for daily food requirement. Against 

this background, the study aims to answer following relevant 

questions: Why has this community faced food deficit?; What are 

the sources to meet their food requirement?; Does this community 

has socio- cultural relation with land?; and What are the provisions 

of the state to meet their food requirement? 

The field research is in continuing phase since May 2008 in Dhusa 

Village Development Committee which is the most populous 

Chepang dwelling of Dhading district in Central Nepal. The field 

survey has selected 12 Chepang and 6 non-Chepang households 

with different socio – economic status. The field study explore on 

yearly food requirement/ availability cycle and daily food 

consumption status of these households. The key research tools 

used by this study are: Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group 

Discussions, Household Surveys, Case Studies and Genealogies. 

The preliminary analysis indicates that Chepangs turned hill forest 

into a cultivable land in past. Nevertheless, severe exploitation by 

non-Chepangs and their lavish socio-cultural practices forced 

Chepangs to settle in new forest in every third generation so forest 

contribute major share of the Chepang’s daily food requirement. 

Key Words: Chepang, Food Provision, Wild Food Items, Hunting, 

Exclusion and Socio- Economic Practices. 


January, 2010. 


Theme: Janajati 




Socio-Economic Study of Dhimals of Morang District 

By Arjun Tamang 


Abstract 

The study aims i) to investigate the socio- economic status of 

Dhimal Nationality and ii) to find out the best relevant ways to 

promote Dhimal's cultural tradition and their traditional skills. The 

study is based on primary data which has been collected from 

Dhimal community of four Village Development Committees of 

Morang district of eastern Nepal. The totals of 200 households 

have been selected for interview based on proportionate sampling 

method. Besides, Focus Group Discussions have been conducted 

to find out the best relevant way to promote Dhimal’s cultural and 

their traditional skills. The study finds that the trend of changing 

religion has increased in Dhimal community and the family 

structure of Dhimal is gradually transforming from joint family to 

nuclear family. The demographic character of Dhimals is not 

favorable with high fertility, high mortality, low life expectancy and 

low socio-economic status. The traditional culture of Dhimal is not 

well maintained. The study recommends for preservation of Dhimal 

language and culture, promotion of free education, health awareness 

program and reservation in technical/ formal education for Dhimal. 

Key Words: Dhimal Community, Socio- Economic Status, 

Traditional Skill and Demography. 


Indigenous Knowledge and Practice on 

Biodiversity Conservation among the Bankariya 

Indigenous Peoples 

By Chandra Bahadur Shrees Magar 


Abstract 

This research has collected information on indigenous knowledge 

and practices of Bankariya on biodiversity conservation and usages. 

The key research tools used by this study are: Key informant 

interview, Focus Group Discussions and Participant’s observation. 

The study finds rich knowledge of medicinal herbs and biodiversity 

conservation among the Bankariya peoples. They practice their 

own knowledge for the treatment of human and cattle disease. 

Bankariyas are rich in knowledge but they are unfortunately poor 

in socio- economic condition so there are not any proper 

documentations of their Indigenous Knowledge. The Bankariyas 

are waiting for reliable source to boost their powerful knowledge 

and socio- economic status. 

Key Words: Bankariyas, Indigenous People, Indigenous 

Knowledge, Biodiversity Conservation and Medical Herbs. 


Poverty in Tharu Community: 

A Case Study of Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Nand Kishor Kumar 


Abstract 

This research aims to measure poverty prevail in Tharu community 

of Rautahat District using cost-of-basic-need approach. The poverty 

line calculated by the study is NPR 18.34/capita/day for the Tharu 

dwelling area of Rautahat. The study has administered field survey 

in the sample of 70 households. The study estimates that 51.43% 

of households are in absolute poverty and the mean income of 

household is NRs 9507. The study finds that: There is positive 

correlation between size of landholding and poverty.; Agriculture is 

the main occupation of Tharu.; and There is an extreme inequality 

in the distribution of land which result extreme inequality in poverty 

distribution. The study highlights that the economic condition of 

Riksha puller and labour is far better than Tharu farmer. 

Key Words: Tharu, Poverty and Land Distribution. 


Documentation of Plant Diversity and Indigenous 

Knowledge: A Key for Sustainable Development 

of Tharu Community in Eastern Nepal 

By Pramila Kumari Gachhadar 


Abstract 

The study aims to explore and document local knowledge of Tharu 

people on the plant diversity mainly medicinal plants, religious plants 

and economically important plants. The study has been carried 

out in three Tharu dominated VDCs of Sunsari, Morang and Saptari 

districts of eastern Nepal. Fieldwork has been carried out between 

February to September, 2006 to collect information on the medical, 

religious and livelihood plants. The key research tools used by this 

study are: Field Observations, Transect Walk, Interviews, Focus 

Group Discussions and Case Studies. The study records 136 

medicinal plants, 38 religious plants; 45 plants for household 

materials and 47 items of handicrafts, woodcrafts and souvenirs. 

The plant species are used to cure various diseases (viz. Skin 

diseases, Stomach trouble, Gastric, Fever, Coughing and 

headache). Herd accounts highest share in medicinal plants (38.2%) 

followed by trees (29.4%), shrub (18.4%), climber (11.8%) and 

herbaceous plant/Tall (1.5%). The healers, elderly Tharu people 

and women are involved in conservation of these medicinal plants 

as they have good knowledge about medical plants and their uses 

Key Words: Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, Plant Diversity, 

Medicinal plants, Tharu and Healer. 



By Rajendra Limbu 


Abstract 

The research highlights socio- cultural as well as economic 

condition of the Limbu of Eastern Nepal. Field survey was conducted 

between 236 household heads from five VDCs of Panchthar and 

Jhapa districts. The study shows that 98% of the households reside 

in their own housing units and 2% households reside in free or 

rented house. In Limbu community, 80% households are headed 

by male and the rest by female. The study finds that an average 

household (HH) income of Limbu is NPR 105,094 and per capita 

income is NPR 24,304. HH income of remittance receivers is higher 

than non-remittance receiver. In the expenditure side, food 

consumption accounts highest share of 66.88% follows by nonfood 

with 25.34%, tobacco with 0.59% and fuel with 7.19%. The 

study reports that 29% Limbu are under poverty line. Majority of 

poor Limbu reside in the rural areas and they are non-receiver of 

the remittance. In conclusion, remittance has the significant role 

to reduce the poverty level in Limbu. 

Key Words: Socio- Economic Condition, Limbu, Remittance, 

Household Income and Poverty. 


Indigenous Knowledge System as A Resource for 

Sustaining Raji Work and Life: A Case Study of 

Surkhet District 

By Sumi Maskey 


Abstract 

Rajis, one of the endangered Indigenous Nationalities of Nepal, 

are gradually decreasing in number over the period of time. This 

trend has multiple impacts on elimination of generation old 

Indigenous Knowledge resulting imbalance in their livelihood system. 

This research tries to document Raji’s Indigenous Knowledge and 

Practices (IKP) relating to social, cultural and biological diversity. 

Chhinchu VDC of Surkhet district has been selected for case study 

because majority of Rajis reside there. Focus group discussion 

and key informant interview have been used as major research 

tools for qualitative analysis. The study reveals that Rajis are rich 

in socio-cultural aspect and biodiversity conservation. Their herbal 

healing practice, arts and crafts skills are unique by nature and 

sacred technique for their livelihood strategy. Despite these 

knowledge and practices, they are lagging behind and owe the 

feeling of deprivation in every aspect of social life. The household 

survey conducted to analyze the socio- economic status of Raji 

shows that Raji are poor in education and economic status and 

they have access in employment and politics. The survey further 

elaborates that IKPs of Raji people are at risk and this will negatively 

affect their livelihood. Thus, the study recommends that there is 

an urgent need of recognition and documentation of IKP of Raji 

which is also vital for their social inclusion. Further, the study 

suggests for comprehensive study on IKPs and Raji community. 

Key Words: Raji Community, Indigenous Knowledge and Practice 

(IKP), Recognition of IKP, Surkhet District, Access and Livelihood. 


Implication of Indigenous Knowledge of 

Sustainable Development of Lesser Mountain 

By Anand Lohorung Rai 


Abstract 

The research tries to explain the relationship between the local 

people and the natural resources, biodiversity and physical 

environment so that the existing indigenous practices on preserving 

nature along with their perception and potentialities can be explored. 

This research has been carried out in Chulachuli VDC of Ilam district 

in Eastern Nepal. On the basis of purposive sampling, 50 key 

respondents have been selected for interview from the nine wards 

of the VDC .The study has recorded 79 different species of plants 

from this area among which 52 species of plants have medicinal 

value. So, the indigenous knowledge on nature preservation is a 

big asset for this area in order to get benefit from these plants. 

Likewise, the research finds that indigenous has land related 

problems and flooding and river cutting problems during monsoon. 

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in the VDC and 

most of the land in the surveyed VDC remains dry due to the lack 

of irrigation. The study concludes that these problems of indigenous 

should be addressed by government. 

Key Words: Indigenous Knowledge, Natural and Biological 

Resources, Plant Species and Ilam District. 




By Bijaya Subba 


Abstract 

This research analyses Nepal Government and donor’s policies 

towards Indigenous Peoples (IPs). The study has mostly used 

secondary data. However, primary data has also been collected 

as per the need. The study reports that an inclusive approach was 

initiated in Nepal since Tenth Plan period. This initiation has 

promoted the government to: i) increase the development 

expenditure towards excluded groups or/and IPs and ii) narrow 

social distance between dominant high castes and subordinated 

ethnic groups which has been caused by the limited access of IPs 

in productive resources. The feudalistic mentality of the society 

and lack of the awareness amongst the IPs has been major hindering 

factor for IP’s development. Despite, government has taken some 

policy measures to address the social exclusion in the past one 

and half decades, there is much needed to be done to ameliorate 

the condition of the IPs in Nepal. 

Key Words: Indigenous People, Government of Nepal, Donor’s 

Policies and Inclusive Approach. 


Issues of Representation of Indigenous 

Nationalities in Local Governance: 

Practice and Obstacles 

By Durga Bahadur Ghartee Magar 


Abstract 

The study aims to find out representation of Indigenous Nationalities 

in local governance and explores on the obstacles to such 

representation. The study has used both primary and secondary 

sources. Five VDCs and one Municipality of Baglung district from 

western Nepal has been selected for field survey. Total of 224 

households have been administered a field interview between Dec 

2006 to Feb 2007. The major findings of the study are: Education 

is the main vehicle for participating in different sector available in 

the society; The poor economic status of Indigenous Nationalities 

hinders them from participating actively in local/national governance 

and other social activities; There is wide gap of leadership skill and 

knowledge in indigenous; and The physical representation of 

Indigenous Nationalities in local governance limits the representative 

voice. 

Key Words: Indigenous Nationalities, Representation, Governance 

and Baglung District. 


Role of Political Leaders from Indigenous 

Communities in the Development of Their 

Communities 

By Fatik Bahadur Thapa Magar 


Abstract 

The study concentrates on the role of indigenous political leaders 

in the development of their communities. The study is explorative 

in nature. The study purposively selects five leaders representing 

five different ethnic groups from five districts. This selection includes 

Newars from Bhaktapur district, Tamang from Dhading, Magar from 

Rolpa, Limbu from Ilam and Tharu from Sunsari. People, from the 

region with high Human Development Index (HDI) rating, have 

expressed their satisfaction toward their leaders. On the contrary, 

people from the district with low HDI rating, have expressed their 

dissatisfaction toward their leader. The study has also explored 

such cases where indigenous people, themselves, have initiated 

development activities due to the limited work from political leaders. 

Further, the study notes that the leaders are less loyal to concern 

ethnic communities because of being a political party’s 

representative. 

Key Words: Indigenous Nationality, Political Leader, Ethnic Group 

and Development. 


Institutions, Inequality and Insurgency: 

An Analysis of Institutions that Determine 

Indigenous (Janajati) Communities' Access and 

Control over Natural Resources of Nepal 

By Mohan Babu Gurung 


Abstract 

The study focuses on the institutions that contribute to caste-ethnic 

inequality in the context of social exclusion and insurgency. The 

key research question addressed by this study is “How the 

indigenous Janajati are excluded from access to and control over 

natural resources of Nepal and how it is linked to insurgency”. The 

research has been carried out on inductive approach to develop 

theoretical proposition. Empirical evidences have been collected 

from explorative case studies of two conflict affected community 

forestry. Semi-structured interview has been administered with 38 

different key informants. The study has also made an observation 

of forests and reviews of official documents, records, videos and 

case files. The empirical study shows that if there is an absence of 

effective institutions then technological ingenuity will create 

inequality and resource conflicts. The exclusive institutions have 

further provided incentives to the elites to capture forestland 

resources. This practice has excluded the indigenous Janajati from 

their access to and control over the source of livelihoods. The 

frustration and grievances of the excluded Janajati, as a cumulative 

impact of inequality in exclusive institutions, have prepared ground 

for insurgency. 

Key Words: Institutions, Inequality, Insurgency, Janajati, 

Community Forest and Social Exclusion. 


Enrollment and Educational Achievement of 

Athpahariya Primary Level Children 

in Dhankuta District 

By Mohan Rai 


Abstract 

The study aims to analyze educational status of primary level 

children from Athpahariya community. The study has been carried 

out in the five schools of Dhankuta municipality of eastern Nepal. 

The study has adopted qualitative research procedure. The 

qualitative information has been collected through focus group 

discussions and observation of the community and schools. The 

study finds that the enrollment ratio of boys and girls are almost 

same in Athpahariya community. However, the education 

achievement indicators (viz. average score, failure rate, drop out 

ratio and repetition rate) are not favorable in boys as well as girls. 

The study points that education levels of children from Athpahariya 

community are determined by following factors: type of family, size 

of land holding, level of food sufficiency in the family, parents' 

occupation and parents’ education. 

Key Words: Primary Level Education, Athpahariya Community, 

Enrolment, Educational Achievement and Dhankuta District. 


Documentation of Health Related Indigenous 

Knowledge of Darai Communities of 

Tanahun District 

By Prem Bahadur Darai 


Abstract 

Since the time immemorial, the resident of remote area of Nepal 

depends on medicinal plants used by the local traditional healers 

for the medical treatment. In this regard, the study describes on 

the indigenous knowledge of Darai on medicinal plants. The study 

has conducted the field survey interview between 220 households 

of Tanahun district in western Nepal. The study finds that 115 types 

of medicinal plants are used to treat common diseases (viz. fever, 

dysentery, cough and cold, minor wounds and cuts).Further, the 

most used part of medical plant are root, fruit, bark, leaf and tender 

shoot. However, the study finds that the young people have less 

knowledge on medicinal plants and the elderly people only practice 

the traditional medicine to cure different diseases. Further the study 

highlights that the traditional health practice of Darai might extinct 

if such traditional knowledge is not transferred to younger 

generation. Thus, the study recommends for an urgent need of 

conservation of medical plants and indigenous knowledge. 

Key Words: Darai Community, Indigenous Knowledge, Medicinal 

Plants and Gurau (Traditional Healer). 


Inclusive Representation of Indigenous 

Nationalities in Bureaucracy of Ilam 

By Prem Prasad Limbu 


Abstract 

The study explores on representation of Indigenous Nationalities 

in bureaucratic structure and elaborates on causes of unequal 

representation in bureaucracy in order to draw recommendation 

for equal representation in bureaucracy. Ilam, district of Eastern 

Nepal, has been selected for field survey on the basis of judgmental 

sampling. Questionnaire has been administered in two different 

sectors i) governmental personnel and ii) non-employed persons. 

The study finds that the bureaucratic structure of Ilam is exclusive. 

The citizens demands for meaningful inclusive bureaucratic system. 

Respondents of field survey (Questionnaire respondents, Focus 

group discussion participants and Key personal interview) are highly 

supportive on restructuring bureaucratic structure with proportional 

representation and they also suggest local level selection for such 

restructuring. Further, respondents stress on provision of reservation 

(affirmative action) according to necessity. The study finds that 

empowerment programmes and increase in age bar for competition 

will fuel the inclusion process. The study further point two major 

causes of exclusion are: i) government’s biased policy and ii) 

internal weakness of indigenous community. The study 

recommends on progressive reformation in government and 

indigenous community for inclusive bureaucratic structure. 

Key Words: Inclusive Representation, Indigenous Nationalities, 

Bureaucracy and Ilam District. 


A Study on Poverty in Santhal Community in 

Jhapa: Present Status, Causes and 

Consequences 

By Harka Raj Rai 


Abstract 

This descriptive study examines socio- economic and cultural 

causes and consequences of poverty in Santhal community of 

Jhapa, an eastern district of Nepal. Nine wards from five VDCs 

have been selected using judgemental sampling. 180 households 

are enumerated selecting 20 households from each surveyed ward. 

The cause and consequences of poverty highlighted by the study 

are: landlessness, illiteracy, limited livelihood opportunities and 

poor access to/representation in state power structure. The Literacy 

rate of Santhal is 41.41% and 32.8% households do not have any 

literate members in the family. The low literacy rate and education 

attainment is also a result of poverty prevailed in this community. 

In term of land holding, half (48.9%) of the total household are 

landless; those having land also own a tiny patches; and 62.5% of 

landowners have Ailani (unregistered) land which is considered a 

second grade legally and less value economically. Wage labour is 

main occupation of Santhal, followed by agriculture labour. The 

study finds cause and effect interrelationship between 

landownership and citizenship. The past policy of promoting 

monoculture (one nation, one language, one religion etc.) has 

marginalised this community which result limited access to 

resource, especially money and land. Santhal are also found weak 

in accommodating the changing situations. The study recommends 

to: address the landlessness issues; introduce income generation 

and micro-credit facility for immediate relief; motivate for education 

and vocational skill; give secured representation in state or public 

affairs; and recognise their traditional Majhi system. 

Key Words: Santhal, Poverty, Socio- Economy and Culture. 


Study of the Socially and Politically Excluded 

Group of Putuwar, Rajbahak and Nagarkoti and 

Potentials of Their Own Development in 

Kathmandu District 

By Sukra Bahadur Putuwar 


Abstract 

It will be quite interesting to know why the rural people residing 

nearby Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) are unaware of their 

living standard, political rights and participation in development 

activities. The study aims to explore existing problems of Putuwar, 

Rajbahak and Nargarkoti communities of Ichangu, a nearby Village 

Development Committee (VDC) of KMC. The study focuses on i) 

exclusion of these communities in social, political and economic 

aspects and ii) their unwillingness to participate in development 

activities. During field survey, the study team has interviewed VDC 

secretary, former VDC president, school principle, teachers and 

students and other non Newar and Newar scholars. Respondents 

have been questioned on: their ethnic history, social and economic 

life style and possible improvement of their livelihood. The study 

finds that floriculture is a traditional work of Putuwar and Nagarkoti 

communities. Further, all three communities, are also engaged in 

agriculture and wage labour for living. Nevertheless these 

communities are one of the most backward ethnic communities 

inside the Kathmandu valley. They have rampant poverty, high 

illiterate and unaware of modern life. The health and sanitation 

condition of these communities are very poor. So, the study 

concludes that these three communities are poor and unaware of 

modern life and they are mostly engaged in traditional work. 

Key Words: Putuwar, Nagarkoti, Rajbahak, Low Socio- Economic 

Status and Kathmandu Valley. 


Social and Cultural Dynamics of Rai Ethnic 

Groups in Land Management 

By Kalawati Rai 


Abstract 

The research aims to analyze the social and cultural dynamics of 

Rai community in land management. The field survey has been 

conducted between 43 Rai households (HH) from Rimchim village 

of Bhojpur district in eastern Nepal. Among total surveyed HH, 

male and female HH members have been selected from 20 (46.5%) 

and 23 (53.5%) HH respectively. The study finds that the land and 

nature management as a culture of Rai community. However, the 

increasing population pressure has consequently raised the 

economic necessity which compels Rais to modify their culture. 

Now, Rais have adopted communal approach of land management. 

Key Words: Rai, Kipat, Land Use and Land Management. 


Sheep Transhumance in Humla: 

A Declining Practice 

By Kushal Gurung 


Abstract 

The study aims to understand how the transhumant herders of 

Humla adapted the political and socio-economic change. 

Specifically, it examines the present condition of sheep 

transhumance and analyzes the factors affecting their traditional 

practice. Livestock is an inalienable livelihood for Humla. For 

centuries, residents of upper Humla use sheep caravan for trans- 

Himalayan trade between Tibet and Nepal. Due to region’s climate 

and ecology, sheep are generally grazed in low-lying plains during 

winter and in high altitude during summer. However, post 1980’s 

political and socio-economic change disrupts the trans-Himalayan 

trade by declining profit margin. Further, enactment of community 

forestry limits the gazing area making sheep keeping difficult. So, 

youth of Humla are slowly shifting to other work and Sheep 

Transhumance is slowly declining. 

Key Words: Sheep Transhumance, Herders, Trans-Himalaya Trade, 

Community Forestry and Humla. 


The Plight of the Ex-Kamaiyas: A Comparative 

Study on Syani Ambapur Settlement Camp of 

Tribhuvan Nagar Municipality and Manikapur 

Settlement Camp of Gadhawa VDC 

By Suresh Chaudhary (Tharu) 


Abstract 

This study deals on earning livelihood of Ex-Kamaiyas. Specifically, 

the study tries to find out the Socio-economic condition and 

livelihood option of Ex- Kamaiyas. 96% of ex-kamaiyas are from 

Tharu community. Thirty-four kamaiya camps are located at Dang 

district of Mid Western Terai region of Nepal. The study is primarily 

based on the information collected from 36 respondents (18 from 

Syani Ambapur and 18 from Manikapur). Likewise, key informant 

interviews has been conducted with 17 informants (8 from the 

Manikapur camp and 9 from the Syani Ambapur camp) for qualitative 

information. In addition, other relevant secondary information has 

also been collected from various published and unpublished 

sources. The study shows that the social and economic conditions 

of Kamaiyas have not changed much in the recent years. Their 

literacy level is low. Nevertheless, food and clothing is their top 

priority rather than education because of poverty. The study 

concludes that the ex-Kamaiya get freedom in principle but servitude 

and exploitation still prevail in reality. 

Key Words: Ex-Kamaiya, Tharu Community, Freedom, and Poor 

Economic Condition. 


Indigenous Knowledge on the Utilization of 

Medicinal Plants in the Magar Community: 

A Case Study of Salija VDC of Parbat 

By Shubhechchha Thapa 


Abstract 

This research has been undertaken in Salija VDC of Parbat District 

in Central Nepal to explore and document the indigenous knowledge 

and practices on the use of plants for medicinal purposes in the 

Magar community. During the field survey, the ethno- medicinal 

data were collected through key informant interview, group interview, 

focus group discussion, participatory observation and informal 

interview with all groups of people (viz. local traditional healers 

(Dhami/Jhankri), knowledgeable elder people, community leader, 

forest ranger, plant collectors, teachers, youth and other local 

people). The data analysis reveals that the local Magars in the 

study area have rich folklore on the traditional utilization of 85 

medicinal plant species belonging to 52 families and 80 genera for 

the treatment of 49 different ailments. Further, the study finds that 

the most frequently treated ailments and disease include respiratory 

tract infections, gastro-intestinal ailments, bone -muscular problems 

and dermatological infections. 

Key Words: Indigenous Knowledge, Medicinal Plants, Traditional 

Medicine and Magar Community. 


Indigenous Knowledge on Health and Herbal Use 

Practices of Bankariyas as Domestic Treatment 

By Dhana Bahadur Moktan (Tamang) 


Abstract 

It is well-known fact that Nepal is rich in terms of natural resource 

like herbal plants. Particularly, the rural people know about its’ 

utility and effectiveness despite their low education level. In this 

regard, the less populous Bankariyas community who are only 60 

in number are skilful in term of traditional health practice despite of 

negligible formal education and backward community. This 

community uses herbal fruits, roots, and shoots for a medicinal 

treatment and subsistence means but these plants are vanishing 

due to over- harvesting, deforestation, landslides and poor 

government policies. Whilst, the preservation programs have not 

been initiated for the preservation of traditional Banakariyas 

practices. In this regard, this research aims to highlight the 

importance of preserving wild medicinal plants and indigenous health 

knowledge. The study has conducted household survey, field 

observation, in-depth interview, interaction with faith healers and 

plant expertise. In the field survey, the local name of herbal plants 

has been obtained and verified with the previous scientific name 

and the disease treated by each medical plant has also been listed. 

The study finds that the herbal plants and traditional health practices 

are slowly dying down which effect the domestic health treatment. 

Further, study highlights that number of Bankariyas has declined 

from 62 to 60 in last three years. The study concludes that the 

declination of Banakariyas is a great threat to conserve their 

Indigenous knowledge and it recommends that the Government 

needs to bring out proper policy to conserve medical plants and 

traditional skill. 

Key Words: Bankariyas, Medical Plants, Traditional Health Service 

and Indigenous Knowledge. 


Indigenous Knowledge of Limbu on Ecology, 

Biodiversity and Ethnomedicine 

By Dil Kumar Hangsurung Limbu 


Abstract 

This is an exploratory survey of indigenous Limbu knowledge on 

ecology, biodiversity and ethnomedicine. This study had been 

carried out in Chakmagu and Ranitar VDCs of Pachthar district of 

eastern Nepal. The study reveals that Limbu people use over 200 

plants (apart from common cereals and garden vegetables) for 

multiple purposes; 110 medicinal plants are used against various 

illness ranging from common cold to fracture; and 59 plants are 

used for food; and 37 plants are used for religious purposes.96% 

of the studied plant have Limbu names which imply that the natives 

are closely association with these plants. Based on the 

accumulated data, the most common illness of the surveyed site 

are cuts/wounds, fracture, diarrhoea, worms/helminthes, piles and 

jaundice. Fortunately, they have adequate knowledge on carrying 

out traditional medical care of these illnesses. Limbu people of the 

study sites are mostly engaged in agriculture. The study 

recommends for scientific study of traditional medical practice 

prevailed in Limbu community. 

Key Words: Indigenous Limbu Knowledge, Medicinal Plants and 

Traditional Healers. 


Contribution of Non- timber Forest Products in 

the Livelihoods of Chepang Community in 

Chitwan, Nepal 

By Dinesh Babu Thapa Magar 


Abstract 

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are considered as one of the 

potential sub-sectors for rural livelihood and poverty alleviation. 

NTFPs play crucial roles in conserving biodiversity and also serve 

as a source of food, medicine, and cash income to the rural 

communities. In this regard, the study aims to analyze the 

contribution of NTFPs in the livelihood of Chepang community. The 

study has conducted the field survey between 105 Chepang 

households of 3 VDCs of Chitwan district and these households 

are chosen on the basis of random sampling technique 

encompassing all socio economic status. 

Poverty prevails in the majority Chepang households of the surveyed 

area and they have food sufficiency for just 6 months. Nevertheless, 

the study reveals that NTFPs substantially compensate this 

community in food, medicine and income generating source. Overall, 

NTFPs contributed 18.14% in the total income which stands third 

after agriculture and livestock. Poor people earn 26.49% of total 

income from NTFPs and this share is higher than the medium and 

rich people. Bamboo handicrafts are major income generating product 

followed by Kaulo bark, Broom grass, Chiuri, Gurjo and Honey. 

Nevertheless, the study highlights that Chepangs face the 

challenges of marketing the NTFPs so they are not able to 

substantially utilize NTFPs for their betterment. Basically, the major 

challenges faced by Chepangs are: inadequate market information, 

fluctuating market demand, lack of financial cooperation among 

Praja, lack of transportation and limited entrepreneurial skill. 

Key Words: Chepang Community, Non-Timber Forest Products 

(NTFPs), Poverty and Rural Livelihoods. 



By Jhakendra Gharti Magar 


Abstract 

The research deals on inter-clan relationship and external influence 

among 'fifteen-clan' Magars of Dhorpatan region. Specifically, the 

study aims to find out inter-clan relationship and cross-cultural 

influences and develop an ethnographic baseline of fifteen-clan' 

Magars residing in Bobang and Adhikarichaur VDCs. For this 

purpose, the study has conducted demographic and ethnographic 

field study, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. 

The study intends to fulfill absolute gap of literature on scientific 

study of Magars. 

The study finds that there is a close bond among 'fifteen-clan' 

Magars. Uttar Ganga River is a best example of their cooperation. 

Community farming system (though it existed in small scale) of 

Magars and their rituals and religion further demonstrates their 

dependency with each-other. However, the 'fifteen-clan' Magars 

have large level of external influences from high caste Hindus in 

rites and rituals. Viz. Magars people are using Brahmin priest in 

Satyanarayan puja, final rite and other pujas. The study concludes 

the hypothesis that there is a strong bond of inter-clan relationship 

among the "fifteen-clan" Magars despite external (cross-cultural) 

influences. 

Key Words: Magar, Fifteen-Clan and Hindu Influence. 


Textile and Indigenous Knowledge in Highland 

Nepal: A Case Study of Limbu Community from 

Eastern Nepal 

By Prem Hang Banem 


Abstract 

Textile provides the livelihood to millions of peoples. In this regard, 

the highland Nepalese weave various types of textiles since ancient 

past. Against this background, this study analyses on the current 

status of indigenous knowledge on textile weaving in Limbu 

community from eastern Nepal. The study finds that the indigenous 

skill of textile weaving is slowly abolishing which consequently 

have negative impact in the livelihood of Limbu. The study highlights 

that the traditional Limbu weavers prefer to use new technology of 

textile but they are not able to install new technology because of 

cost factor. 

Key Words: Limbu Community, Indigenous Knowledge, Textile 

and Livelihood. 



By Bhuwani Prasad Limbu 


Abstract 

Dowry has emerged as social malady in Nepal. It has greatly 

victimized the married women in particular. Limbu, one of the ethnic 

groups of Nepal, practices Maitalu system, a popular customary 

practice. It custom respects women's freedom and social economic 

rights. But, this system is slowly superseded by dowry system. 

The adoption of dowry system has negative impact in socioeconomic 

condition of Limbu. In consistence to this background, 

this research deals on emerging dowry system in Limbu community. 

The field survey has been conducted between 60 married couples 

from 3 Village Development Committee of Ilam district as well as 

Limbu residential areas of Kathmandu and Lalitpur. The study finds 

that the elite Limbu household copied dowry culture of other caste 

and it slowly spread in whole community. 

Key Words: Limbu Community, Maitalu System and Dowry. 


Child Marriage Practice among Tamang of 

Ichangu Narayan Village Development Committee 

By Mana Kafle 


Abstract 

Child marriage is a social malady. An early marriage is a common 

practice in many communities in different parts of Nepal. This 

research aims to explore the existing child marriage practice in 

Tamang communities. The field survey has been conducted between 

198 respondents (Including male and Female) of Ichangu Narayan 

Village Development Committee. The research reveals that prevalent 

of child marriage practice in Tamang community. The marriage 

age in this community is below the prescribed age of Nepalese 

Law. The elopement marriage has come out as one of the insisting 

factors of early marriage in Tamang community. 

Key Words: Child Marriage, Law and Tamang Community. 




By Manju Rai 


Abstract 

Nepal is in the state of restructuring for proportional representation 

of excluded class which includes Dalits, Madheshi, Janajati and 

Women. This paper aims to evaluate the present government 

policies in term of Janajati inclusion. The study is based on primary 

and secondary information. The study finds that the constitution of 

country and other supplementary policies and legal documents 

provision for social inclusion of all class of Nepali including Janajatis 

in development process. However, Janajatis are excluded in term 

of political participation, education, economic uplift and health. The 

study concludes that the constitutional and legal provisions are 

still not inclusive and the legal provision and policy document should 

be implemented by words. 

Key Words: Government Policies, Excluded Group and 

Representation. 


A Study of Paradox of Ihi and Single Womanhood 

with respect to Myths and Symbolic Meaning in 

Newar Women of Panga Des 

By Jeni Thapa Magar 


Abstract 

Newars, the traditional inhabitants of Kathmandu, distinguish 

themselves from the Brahman-Chhetri culture in the performance 

of two rituals of Girls namely Ihi and Barha. Both of these ceremonies 

are related to marriage of girls with mortal god so that she never 

becomes single woman in her life. Against this background, the 

study aims to: explore the symbolic meaning of Ihi and assess the 

real status of single women. The study has selected Panga Des of 

Kathmandu district as the field survey site because Newar 

community dominates this residential area. The questionnaire has 

been enumerated between 62 single women. The study has been 

conducted in small Newar settlement so its findings should not be 

generalized with whole Newar community. The study finds that the 

most single women perceive these social customs as symbolic 

practices of Newari culture as there is severe discrimination against 

single woman in real life. Thus, the study recommends for adopting 

the social custom in the spirit of its cultural norms and suggests 

for more comprehensive analysis about this social culture. 

Key Words: Newar, Ihi, Barha, Divorced Woman, Widow and 

Culture. 



By Arjun Babu Mabuhang 


Abstract 

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;d'bfodf t'Dofª, km]bfªaf, ;fDaf / o]afx¿ h:tf d'Gw'dsf ;|f]t d'Gw'd ;fafx¿sf] 

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lnOPsf] 5 . of] cg';Gwfg, cWoog / clen]lvs/0f lnDa" ;d'bfodf o]afx¿n] 

cfˆgf u'?nfO{ ug] { k"hf÷cr{gf;Fu dfq ;DalGwt 5 . o; d'Gw'd;Fu ;DalGwt 

d'Gw'dx¿nfO{ dfq ;+sng u/L pNyf ul/Psf] 5 . oxfF rrf{ ul/Psf d'Gw'dx¿ 

o; k|sf/ 5g\M -!_ s'Os'bfk x]gfdf]Mdf d'Gw'd s'af]Sdf -jgb]jtfx¿sf d'Gw'dsf] 

p7fg_ o; cGtu{t lgDglnlvt ;ftj6f d'Gw'dx¿ k|:t't ul/Psf 5g\M ld;]Skf, 

y'ªbfªaf, ;]ªufaf, tfª;fªnfaf lnª;fªnfaf, lkKk'?ofª vf]Ghf]df, tS;ªaf, 

ldStfK;f] tfDe'gfdf -@_ o'df x]gfdf]Mdf -o'df dft[b]j_ -#_ ;]cSn'ª cSjfgfdf 

x]gfdf]Mdf -d"nvf+afsL gfub]j_ -$_ vfDaf]lTnª gfxfªdf x]gfdf]Mdf -o]afsf] cfªsf] 

gfxfªdf u'? r9fpg]_ / -%_ cGo . 

Key Words: d'Gw'd, u'? k"hf / lnDa" ;d'bfo . 



By Man Kumari Thada 


Abstract 

o; cWoogn] du/ hfltdf /x]sf] ;d:ofx¿sf] ljZn]if0f ub}{ ;do cg';f/sf] 

kl/jt{gnfO{ JofVof–ljZn]if0f ug{ o; cWoognfO{ Ps dfWodsf ?kdf clw a9fOPsf] 

5 . pQm hfltut ;d'bfosf] ljBdfg ;d:ofx¿sf] ljz]if cWoog x'g'n] of] 

cWoog cy{k"0f{ ?kdf ;xof]u k'Ug] ck]Iff ul/Psf] 5 . of] cWoogn] wgs'6f 

lhNnfsf] e]8]6f/ uf=lj=;= j8f g+= & sf :yflgo du/ hfltsf] Jofks cg';Gwfg 

ug] { sfd u/sf] 5 . o; cWoogsf nflu s"n () hgf pQ/bftf dWo] @^ hgf 

dlxnf /x]sf]df afFsL ;a} pQ/bftfx¿ k"?if 5g\ . 

;a} pQ/bftfx¿ cfˆgf] dft[efiff du/ af]Ng hfGb5g\ . To:t} wd{sf ljifodf 

s'/f ubf{ *$=$-&^_ hgfn] a'¢wd{ dfGg] u/]sf] s'/f k|i6 kf/]sf 5g\, oxfF Pp6f 

gofF k| ]d (Love) wd{ klg k|rngdf Nofpg yflnPsf] 5 h'g wd{ lqmlZrog;Fu} 

ldn]tfklg lqmlZrog g} xf]Og . oxfFsf du/x¿n] klZrdL e]u lt/sf ;f]/7L, 

k};]?, sf}x|f h:tf du/ g[Tox¿ k|rngdf gNofPtf klg plgx¿sf] cfˆgf] e]udf 

k|rlnt x'/f{ / df?gL h:tf gfrx¿nfO{ cem} ;Dd hLljt} /fv]sf 5g\ . To:t} 

k]zfsf ljifodf k|Zg ubf{ s"n () 3/ dWo] clwsf+z -(@=@ k|ltzt_n] s[lif eg] . 

oxfFsf dflg;x¿sf] d'Vo cGg eg]sf] ds} xf] / o;nfO{ **=( k|ltzt dflg;n] 

d'Vo aflnsf ?kdf nufpG5g\ . cfly{s ?kn] sdhf]/ du/ hfltx¿sf] cj:yf 

bolgo 5 . o; :yfgsf w]/} du/ o'jfx¿ k};f sdfpg ljb]zLPsf 5g\ . oxfFsf 

du/x¿sf] z}lIfs :t/sf] :yLtL klg Go'g /x]sf] b]lvG5, pgLx¿sf] pRr lzIffdf 

kxF 'r gePs} sf/0f Psbd} Go"g ;+Vofdf ;/sf/L tyf u}/;/sf/L clkm;x¿df sfd 

ug] { u/]sf] s'/f pQ/bftfx¿n] atfPsf 5g\ . oxfFsf dflg;x¿sf] :jf:Yo l:ylt 

Psbd} sdhf]/ /x]sf] b]lvG5 . 5'jf5'tsf b[li6n] of] ;dfh -hflt_ s]xL :jtGq / 

lgZkIf b]lvG5 . tyflk hftLo prlgrsf] lxGb' s'';+:sf/af6 

k''/} 

c5'tf] 5 eGg] 

rflx kSs} xf]O{g . 

Key Words: du/ hflt / ;fdflhs ;f+:s[lts cj:yf . 


The Ethnic Group at the Margin of Society: 

A Case Study of Mudiyari (Munda) Community 

of Morang District 

By Anup Rai 


Abstract 

This anthropological research is a scholarly attempt to understand 

dynamic of marginalization. The research attempts to analyze 

social and cultural process that produces a marginal group in a 

larger society. Social exclusion and marginalization does not have 

objective manifestation in the socio-cultural life of the people. It 

rather occurs due to complex socio-cultural processes about which 

the excluded groups may not consciously notice and express. 

Marginalization of Mundas exists in the context of their ethno 

politics. This community demands for the enlisting as an ethic 

group of Terai via political effort and cultural identity. The community 

feels they are dominated by all agencies and groups because their 

problems are not properly addressed in the debates. The study 

concludes that the society needs to accept Munda and their cultural 

life for the inclusion of Munda community in political, social and 

cultural development. 

Key Words: Munda, Mudiyari, Marginality and Ethno-Politics. 


Inclusive Representation of Chepang in 

Political Parties of Nepal 

By Tilak Bahadur Chepang 


Abstract 

The study aims to explore on inclusive participation of Chepangs 

in the Political Parties. The study also investigates the relationship 

between the Chapangs’ environment and their culture. The required 

information for the study has been collected using Malinow Ski’s 

approach. The information collected during the field survey relates 

to following issues: slash and burn cultivation, deforestation, 

environmental deterioration, livelihood crisis, governance, 

democracy, development beliefs and practices. 

Chepangs, the newly shifted cultivators from food gatherers, seems 

inefficient in land management in compare to their neighbouring 

communities (i.e. Tamang, Bahun and Chhetri). In term of economic 

status, Chepang women are markedly low than their male 

counterpart. The field survey reveals that the male member of the 

household owns land, and other household property. There is 

discrimination in girls’ education as female child are mostly engaged 

in household works. The study also finds that there is cooperative 

approach in Chepang while taking household decision. Likewise, 

the study highlights low participation of Chepang in politics. 

Key Words: Chepang, Inclusive Representation, Political Parties 

and Women. 


Ethnographic Study of Yamphu Community in the 

Upper Arun Valley of Sangkhuwa Shabha District 

By Hom Prasad Yamphu 


Abstract 

Social exclusion is one of the most severe problems in Nepali 

Society. Janajatis, the excluded groups, are one of the most hurt 

communities due to social exclusion. In this regard, the study 

aims to explore the social- economic status of Yamphu. The 

Yamphu is one of the twenty eight linguistically and culturally distinct 

groups under the ethnonym of Rai. The field survey has been 

conducted in Num village of Sangkhuwasaba district, the traditional 

residence of Yamphu. The study finds that: i) The educational and 

employment status of Yamphu is not favourable.; ii) The total of 

only 19 percent Yampu in field survey has food sufficiency for whole 

year.; iii) They are mostly dependent on traditional health care/.; 

and iv) There is marginal participation of Yampu in politics. Yampu 

communities are proud of their traditional mother tongue and culture. 

The study suggests on enhancing the participation of Yamphu and 

other excluded caste. It also recommends for preservation of 

Yamphu tradition and culture. 

Key Words: Ethnography, Yamphu, Exclusion and Participation. 


4 

Theme: Madhesi 





By Uddhav Sigdel 


Abstract 

Citizenship is one of the major issues among the Dalit Community. 

However, ownership of citizenship certificate does not guarantee 

citizenry rights. Most are ignorant of the fact that the citizenship 

certificate has any such rights for an individual. The citizenship of 

Madhesi Dalit Community – as a legal document as well as the 

rights ensured by the document is a pressing issue for policy 

makers, politicians, and civil society members. The research aims 

to highlight the issue and make it a priority for the lawmakers as 

well as the Madhesi Dalits who might then be able to realize the 

importance of the citizenship certificate and recognize their right. 

This study has covered 4716 Madhesi Dalit Population (16 years 

and above) from 741 household. The sample is selected using 

random sampling techniques and data are collected through 

structured questionnaires. Citizenship certificate is a proof for 

national identity of a citizen and it is also permanent citizenry 

right. It is required to get government job, to acquire land, to 

participate as a candidate in election and to join formally in any 

governmental and non-governmental organization. 34.8 % of 

Madhesi Dalit people do not have a citizenship certificate. The 

situation of Madhesi Dalit women is more severe as 45.5 % of 

Madhesi Dalit women don’t have citizenship certificates against 

25.5% of males. A social democratic citizenship may address the 

problem of Madhesi Dalit community and their various problems 

(viz. Deprivation, Hardcore Exclusion, Marginalization and Lack of 

Civil and Political Participation). Therefore, social rights of the 

Madhesi Dalit should be guaranteed through law and constitution. 

Key Words: Madhesi Dalit, Citizenship Certificate and Exclusion. 



Theme: Madhesi 




Citizenship Problems in Terai: A Case Study of 

Sunsari and Morang Districts 

By Maina Dhital 


Abstract 

The study reviews the Citizenship Act 2063 of Nepal and explored 

the major problems faced by the people who don’t have citizenship 

certificate. The study is based on the field survey administered 

among fifty respondents from Sunsari and Morang districts. Male 

and female respondents in the survey account 52% and 48% 

respectively. The study highlights the major problems in receiving 

citizenship as: i) illiteracy ii) absence of father's citizenship and iii) 

migration from the birthplace. 70% of respondents have expressed 

problems due to lack of citizenship. Employment opportunity has 

come out as formidable one. The other responded problems are 

exercising property right and obtaining social benefits. The study 

points that the citizenship law restricts woman from conferring 

citizenship to husband but it doesn’t imply in the case of male. 

So, citizenship law is also biased to women. 

Key Words: Citizenship Act 2063, Citizenship Right and Citizenship 

Law. 


International Labor Migration: A Rural Livelihood 

Strategy of Madheshi Community 

By Umesh Kumar Mandal 


Abstract 

The research aims to explore and identify the role of international 

labour migration on livelihood strategies of Madheshi and their 

development planning. This study provides bases for policy guideline 

formulation and planning measures for sustainable rural resource 

development. The research has been carried out in Arnaha VDC of 

Saptari district, an eastern Terai region of Nepal. Labour migration 

is the second highest employment opportunities in the sampled 

population. The research finds that 1% of economically active 

sampled population (i.e. Madheshi) is employed in government 

service and international labour migration accounts more than 70% 

surveyed households. Further, the study highlights that the degraded 

condition of existing agriculture practice plays a dominant role in 

international labour migration. Likewise, 3% people were able to 

receive the loan from the Agriculture Development Bank and the 

rest had to borrow from the moneylenders with a very high annual 

interest (i.e. between 30 to 60%). The study shows that international 

labour migration (i.e. particularly to Malaysia, Qatar, Dubai, Jordon, 

Saudi Arab and Kuwait) accounts 68%, followed by internal 

migration and India migration with 19.84% and 11.9% respectively. 

The study concludes that the international migration has improved 

the economic status of Madeshi. Nevertheless, ill developed foreign 

employment law hinders smooth flow of Madeshi to foreign land so 

it should be revised. 

Key Words: International Labour Migration, Madheshi Community 

and Rural Livelihood. 




By Subhash Jha 

Awarded Year: 2007 Completed Year:2008 

Abstract 

The study deals with religious and cultural dynamics among 

Mushahar, the Madheshi Dalits. The study aims to assess the 

religious and cultural dynamics of Musahar and the causes of social 

discrimination with respect to religious and cultural aspects. The 

field survey has been conducted between Mushahar household of 

Dhanusha district. The study finds that the name Musahar might 

have come from their traditional occupation of these tribal people 

who are still famous for killing rats (mouse or moos in Maithaili). 

Musahars are Hindu by their religion. There is no change in their 

worship place than that of their ancestors. They live in a compact 

settlement and their habitation is called as “Musahari Tole” in their 

local language. This study comes to the conclusion that their 

religion and culture has not changed significantly. Some observed 

changes in the religious and culture practice is spontaneous change 

occurred in every community. The study also highlights that this 

community has been excluded and discriminated by the 

Government, policy makers, development agencies and other 

concerned stakeholders working for equity and justice. This study 

recommends for uplifting of the Musahars. 

Key Words: Religion, Culture, Dynamism, Mushahar and 

Discrimination. 



5 

Theme: Language 




Linguistic Diversity in Nepal: 

Situation and Policy Planning 

By Prof. Dr. Yogendra Prasad Yadava 


Abstract 

The goal of this study is to present current situation of the existing 

linguistic diversity in Nepal, with a focus on Janajati and Madhesi 

languages. The linguistic diversity in the country arise the three 

situations: monolingualism, bilingualism, and multilingualism. The 

linguistically homogeneous communities figure 70% of Nepal’s 

population and most of them are Nepali-speaking people. The total 

percentage of bilingual speakers is reported to be 30%. 

Multilingualism is not as widespread as bilingualism but a number 

of Nepalese are found proficient not only in their mother tongues 

but also in their lingua francas such as Hindi, Tibetan and English. 

The existing linguistic diversity in Nepal hasn’t jeopardized 

communication between different communities. It is difficult to 

demarcate where one language ends and another begins particularly 

in Terai Region. Thus, people living in two immediate vicinities can 

understand each others language. However, residents living at the 

extremes of two languages cannot communicate and use Hindi as 

the lingua franca. A similar interrelationship is found among the 

dialects of Nepali spoken in the hills and mountains. However, 

communication in common language is not possible among the 

speakers of different Tibeto-Burman languages, which diverge 

greatly in vocabulary and grammar. Thus, they use Nepali as their 

link language. The study suggests undertaking a linguistic survey 

of Nepal to develop an authentic database and initiating a policy 

measure to promote different indigenous languages of Nepal. 

Key Words: Linguistic Diversity, Janajanti and Madhesi Language, 

Lingua Franca and Nepal. 



Theme: Language 




Mother Tongue Education: Practices and 

Problems with Reference to the Limbu Language 

By Prem Bahadur Phyak 


Abstract 

Mother tongue/first language education is a child right which 

minimizes the language and cultural shock in the child and 

enhances the academic achievement. So, educationists, linguists, 

human right activists, politicians argue for “first language first” policy 

because the knowledge provided in first language does not hinder 

the knowledge provided in second language in the later age. In 

Nepal, debate on the language right in education has been intensified 

especially by indigenous language communities since the 

restoration of democracy in 1990. Consequently, the mother tongue 

education is included in the Constitution of Nepal-1990 and the 

textbooks have been designed in some local language. In this 

regard, this study explores on the practices and problems 

associated with the present mother tongue education (MTE). The 

field survey has been conducted in Suryamukhi Primary School of 

Tandi-2, Morang. The information has been collected via: i) interview 

with parents, teachers and students; ii) focus group discussion 

with community members; and iii) one week class observation. 

The study finds that there are limited studies to asses the 

effectiveness of MTE practices in schools. The study reveals that 

the present MTE policy is weak in term of effective implementation. 

The students are less motivated to learn the mother tongue because 

there are limited trained teachers and textbooks and the supervision 

is ineffective. The study recommends that government needs to 

allocate extra resources for the effective implementation of MTE 

which will consequently enhance the inclusive education. 

Key Words: Mother Tongue Education, Limbu Language and 

Pedagogy. 


Study of Phonemes in Sherpa Language: 

A Phonological Study 

By Gelu Sherpa 


Abstract 

The study tries to identify and produce the phonemic inventory of 

Sherpa language. The fluent and competent native Sherpa speakers 

are the population of research. The study further refers the books 

and other Sherpa related documents as the secondary sources of 

information. The field research has been conducted in Solu region 

of Solukhumbu district where the majority of Sherpa people reside. 

The study finds two clear tones - high and low- in each syllable 

since Sherpa is a tonal language. Likewise, the phonological foot 

consists one to maximum four syllables in Sherpa language. 

Key Words: Sherpa Language, Phonemes, Syllable, Vowel and 

Solukhumbu District. 



By Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang 


Abstract 

The study aims to prepare a descriptive grammar of Chhatthare 

Limbu in term of: phonology, morphology and syntax. It leaves 

semantics and discourse analysis for future inquiry. Chhatthare 

Limbu has dialectal variations but this work deals only with the 

dialect spoken in Banchare of Tangkhuwa Village Development 

Committee. Limbu living in the Chhatthar area are called Chhatthare 

Limbu or Chhatthare Yakthungba. Their language is called 

Chhatthare Yakthungba Pan or Chhatthare Pan in the mother tongue 

and simply as Chhatthare Limbu in non-native language. It differs 

from other Limbu languages in phonology, morphology and lexical 

words. Genetically, Chhatthare Limbu belongs to Proto-Limbu, 

Kiranti, Mahakiranti, Himalayan, Tibeto-Burman and Sino-Tibetan 

group of languages. In Chhatthare Limbu, there are twenty 

consonant phonemes and seven vowels without vowel length 

contrast. The syllable has CVC pattern and it extends from one 

syllable to five syllables with multiple patterns. Morphologically, 

Chhatthare Limbu is an ergative language. Syntactically, it is almost 

a head right language because all the modifiers precede the head 

except than in few cases. 

Key Words: Chhatthare Limbu, Chhatthare Yakthungba, Syllable 

and Vowel. 


lzIff If]qsf] ;dfj]lzs/0fdf lnDa" dft[efiff lzIffsf] k|efj 

By Ambar Jang Limbu 


Abstract 

of] cWoogn] lzIff If]qsf] ;dfj]lzs/0fdf dft[efiff lzIffsf] k|efjnfO{ cg';Gwfg 

ug{ vf]h]sf] 5 . of] cWoog ljz]ift lnDa" efiffdf s]lGb|t 5 . dft[efiff lzIffn] 

;DalGwt efiffsf] lnlk, ;+:sf/, ;+:s[lt cflbsf] ;+/If0f, ;+j4{g / ljsf;df 6]jf 

k'¥ofpg'sf ;fy} ;DalGwt dft[efifLx¿ k|f]T;flxt / uf}/jflGjt x'g] cj:yf ;[hgf 

u5{ . oBlk dft[efiff lzIf0fsf] Joj:yfkgdf x'g'kg] { cfjZos tTjx¿ cToGt} 

Go"g /x]sf] of] cWoogaf6 k|fKt eof] . kf7\ok':tssf ;fy} z}lIfs ;fdu|Lsf] Hofb} 

7"nf] ;d:of /x]sf] 5 . o;/L g} dft[efiff k9fpg] lzIfsx¿sf] ;DaGwdf klg 

Tolts} ;d:of /x]sf] kfOof] . lzIfsx¿ ;DalGwt dft[efiffdf cf}krfl/s lzIff 

lng gkfpg', lzIf0f tflnd gkfpg', b/aGbL gkfpg' dfq xf]Og kfl/>lds ;d]t 

gkfPsf] cWoogdf b]lvPsf] 5 . dft[efiff lzIffdf ;/sf/L a]jf:tf xb} ;Ddsf] 

/x]sf] 5 . ;/sf/ jf ;DalGwt lgsfon] dft[efiffdf k|efjsf/L k7gkf7gsf] nflu 

pko'Qm gLltlgod gagfpg] dfq xf]Og agfPsf gLltsf] sfof{Gjog jf ;f] 

gLltd'tfljs sfd ug] { klg tbf?stf gb]vfPsf] kfOG5 . ;d:of g} ;d:ofsf 

afah'b klg :yfgLo dft[efifLx¿ dft[efiffdf k7gkf7g ug{ u/fpgsf] nflu 

;dlk{t /x]sf] kfOG5 eg] dft[efiffsf] k7gkf7gn] klg ;sf/fTds ult lnOPsf] 

b]lvG5 . dft[efiffdf lbOg] lzIffn] ljBfyL{ egf{ j[l4df To:tf] dxŒjk"0f{ e"ldsf 

gv]n] klg ;xof]uL e"ldsf v]n]sf] b]lvG5 . dft[efiffsf] k7gkf7g g} ;'rf? / 

Jojl:yt ¿kdf rNg g;s]sf] cj:yf /x] klg kf7\ok':tsdf ;dfj]z ePsf 

ljifoj:t'sf] d"Nofª\sg s]xL xb;Dd ;sf/fTds g} kfOof] . t/ oxL kl/j]zdf 

o;sf] lj:t[t cWoog ;lxt ;xL d"Nofª\sgsf] ck]Iff ug{ g;lsg] cj:yf b]lvG5 . 

lgisif{df, dft[efiffdf lzIff lbg] sfo{sf] yfngL ;sf/fTds sbdsf] ¿kdf /x]sf] 

5 . 

Key Words: dft[efiff lzIff, lnDj' / ;dfj]lzs/0f . 



By Ichchha Purna Rai 


Abstract 

This study deals with the ethno-linguistic information of mundum, 

ritual language of Chintang. The study has been structured into 

four chapters with annexes. The first chapter deals with the 

introduction; The second chapter deals with the ethnolinguistic 

information of the study; The third chapter which is also a core part 

of the study deals with the Chintang mundum/ritual language; and 

The last chapter provides the summary and conclusion parts. The 

study explores on the concept of mundum, terminology and 

characteristics of mundum/ritual language, ritual nouns, binomials 

and ritual verbs. However, the study mainly focuses on the binomial 

property of the ritual language. These features are not found in the 

ordinary language and the facts say that the ritual nouns are more 

important than the ritual verbs because there is an archaic type of 

nouns found in the ritual nouns. But, verbs are from either the 

Chintang ordinary language or from the Nepali language. Verbs 

found in the ritual idioms are rather simple morphological in 

comparison to the Chintang ordinary language. 

The research finds that binomial is not the mere reduplication and 

it has pervasive linguistic parallelism. Secondly, the mundum/ritual 

language is a separate language, which is different from the ordinary 

language in many respects. Among them, the strong feature is 

binomial property of the mundum/ritual language. Thirdly, nouns 

used in the ritual idioms are more dominant than verbs because 

ritual verbs are not different from the ordinary verbs. Therefore, they 

are either from the Chintang ordinary language or from the Nepali 

language. In the case of ritual verbs, there are heavy influences of 

the Nepali language. 

Key Words: Chintang Mundum, Ritual Language and Ethno- 

Linguistic Information. 



By Dr. Lal Rapacha 


Abstract 

Kiranti-Bayung is a minority language spoken by a dwindling 

number of Bayung speakers of Wallo Kirant 'Hither/Near Kirat' from 

Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbhu districts of eastern Nepal. Like 

Kiranti-Kõits (exonym: Sunuwar/Mukhia) a sister-neighbouring 

language, Bayung is gradually vanishing as about 900 adults and 

fewer youths have the knowledge of this language. The study deals 

with Grammar, Texts and Lexicon of Kiranti-Bayung. Specifically, 

the study aims i) to collect maximum number of lexicon from the 

local native speakers and previous work; ii) to record maximum 

texts on folklore; iii) to analyze the grammatical features of the 

texts; and iv) to prepare a reference grammar. This study thus has 

collected more than two thousand lexicon in order to prepare its 

corpora. Kiranti-Bayung, as in other Kiranti languages, lacks 

grammatical gender. It has dual number along with singular and 

plural and is a suffix-dominant language. Kiranti-Bayung has a rich 

cultural lexicon with complete lexical items of counting numerals. 

The verb morphology of Kiranti-Bayung has a rich inflectional 

system. Its folklore is also rich in terms of ethno-history, ethnoculture 

and anthropology of the glorious Kiranti people. Further, 

Kiranti-Bayung vocabulary is enriched by its indigenous culture 

and indigenous technology. 

Key Words: Kiranti-Bayung, Grammar, Texts and Lexicon. 


An Ethno-Linguistic Observation of Chhulung 

Rai- A Highly Endangered Language 

By Man Kumari Limbu 


Abstract 

This study deals with the ethno-linguistic study of Chhulung Rai. 

In the case of linguistic part, this study contributes the Chhulung 

phonology. In the case of the ethnographic part, it deals also on 

various aspects of Chhulung community. There are three chapters 

altogether. The first chapter deals with the introduction of Chhulung 

Rai and language and includes general background, location of 

Chhulung Rai, Chhulung language, genetic relation of the Chhulung 

language, multilingualism, literature review on Chhulung, objectives, 

methodology, limitation, significance and organisation of the study. 

The second chapter deals with phonology of the Chhulung language 

and includes consonants and vowels of the Chhulung language, 

orthographic writing in Devanagari script and personal pronouns. 

The last chapter has a brief ethnographic profile of Chhulung and 

includes the Chhulung speaking area, nomenclature of Akhisalla, 

location and ward composition, present settlement and population, 

language situation, agriculture, academic aspect, political aspect, 

clan, life cycle rituals, major deities and ritual. 

Key Words: Chhulung Rai Language, Ethno-Linguistic, Phonology 

and Phonemes. 


A Phonological Study of Uranw (Jhangad) 

Language for Developing its Writing System 

By Ram Kisun Uranw 


Abstract 

This study aims to analyze the phonology of Uranw language. This 

research explores on distinctive sounds (i.e. phonemes) and their 

various realizations (i.e. allophones) of Uranw language. Further, 

study also develops the writing system in Uranw on the basis of 

the phonemes. For this respect, the respondents were confined to 

Uranw native speakers from the VDCs of Sunsari, Morang and 

Jhapa districts of eastern Nepal. Primary data were collected by 

visiting the targeted Village Development Committees from the 

selected districts. Focal group discussion, cross- linguistic check 

and questionnaire survey has been conducted during the field survey. 

Respondent are asked about the lexical levels of the language and 

their pronunciations. Additionally, secondary data were collected 

from available references and textbooks. 

Since phonetics and phonology is the core linguistic part of any 

undocumented language, this research is entirely oriented to 

phonetic and phonemic analysis of the language. In the Uranw 

language, 31 consonant phonemes and six basic vowel phonemes 

are exists. Among 31 consonants: 16 plosives, 3 nasals, 4 

affricates, 1 trill 1 flap, 3 fricatives, 2 approximants and 1 lateral. 

Of the total of 6 vowels, /i/ and /u/ are high, /e/ , /Y / and /o/ are 

mid and /a/ is low. Likewise, /i/ and /e/ are front, / Y / and /a/ are 

central and /u/ and /o/ are back vowels. The research study finds 

seven vowel sequences as diphthongs. There might be some more 

existence of the vowel sequences in the Uranw language but they 

are not confined yet as diphthongs and sources. 

Key Words: Uranw Language, Jhagad, Phonemes and Vowels. 


Dialects of Maithili: A Sociolinguistic Study 

By Dev Narayan Yadav 


Abstract 

This sociolinguistic research deals on Maithili dialects. The survey 

research has been conducted in seven Maithili speaking districts 

of central Nepal and aims to observe the lexical similarity, language 

attitude and language use. The study has adopted descriptive 

method. The population of the study has been limited to 100 Maithili 

native speakers selected on the basis of quota-sampling procedures 

from seven districts. In addition to the primary source, the study 

also refers to reference books related to Sociolinguistic and Maithili 

language, unpublished research and articles. 

Maithili people are likely to be multilingual in Hindi/Nepali. Maithili 

possesses a rich heritage of both literary writings and linguistic 

studies. This language has potential for further growth as it has a 

large number of speakers with a strong sense of language loyalty. 

Maithili speakers, both in India and Nepal, are active in promoting 

their mother tongue. For example, it has been included in the Eighth 

Schedule of the Indian constitution. Likewise, Maithili speakers of 

Nepal in collaboration with speakers of other indigenous languages 

have also launched a concerted effort to introduce their languages 

in local administration and education system of Nepal. 

Key Words: Maithili, Dialect and Indigenous Language. 


Magic of Limbu Deixis:An Interdisciplinary Study 

of Language and Culture 

By Dilli Bikram Edingo 


Abstract 

The Limbu is one of the principal tribes of Mongoloid origin in Nepal. 

They have their own language, oral folk literature, culture and religion. 

In this regard, this research is an interdisciplinary study of language 

and culture and it deals on descriptive analysis of Limbu Deixis 

through its pragmatic or functional implication. The field research 

had been conducted in the Limbu dominated districts namely Ilam, 

Taplejung and Pachthar. The research findings can be classified 

into two categories. In Linguistic Categories, the study highlights 

on pragmatics of Limbu language, especially on Limbu Deixis: 

Person Deixis, Place Deixis, Time Deixis and Social Deixis. 

Likewise, Religious and Socio-cultural Categories highlight on the 

occasions of cultural rites, plural or dual inclusiveness, inheritance 

of historical and traditional information, creation of geo-poetic space 

and its religious, and cultural and genealogical significance in real 

life, and functional or socio-cultural dimension of Deixis (e.g. honorific 

words for a man and woman and morphemes of social Deixis). 

Key Words: Limbu, Limbu Deixis, Linguistic, Religion and Socio- 

Culture. 


Linguistic Movement of 2022 B.S.: 

A Case Study of the Newars in Kathmandu Valley 

By Basanta Maharjan 


Abstract 

The Newars, an indigenous inhabitant of the Kathmandu valley, is 

a caste group with distinct language of dialect. Their language is 

called Newari. This language has flourished during the time Malla 

ruler of Kathmandu in ancient time but this language could not 

flourish in unified Nepal because of rigid attitude of Saha and Rana 

ruler toward this language. Against this background, the study 

deals on Linguistics Movement of Newars in 1965 which started 

after the government’s decision to stop the broadcasting of News 

in Newari Language. The rulers of then Party less political system 

were frighten of this language movement being politicized so then 

government accepted the demand of Newar. Nevertheless, this 

movement also leads to enhanced participation of Newar woman 

in community activities afterward. Further, it makes Newari music 

and literature rich because more Newar are aware of preserving 

the language. 

Key Words: Newar, Newari and Linguistic Movement. 



6 

Theme: Others 





Livelihoods of Excluded Groups: A Study of Chitwan 



Kumar Bahadur Darjee 


Abstract 

The research project aims to investigate the implications of Nepal’s 

buffer zone management policy on the livelihood of excluded 

groups. The objectives of the study are: i) to review the existing 

conservation policies from social exclusion/inclusion perspectives; 

ii) to analyze the resource accessibility to disadvantaged groups; 

and iii) to identify the extent to which these groups cope up with 

vulnerability in the buffer zone areas. The study was conducted in 

two buffer zones User Committees (UC): the Kalabanjar UC of 

Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Manohari UC of Parsa Wildlife 

Reserve (PWR) of Nepal. This study finds a complex relationship 

between livelihood strategies of different social groups and their 

access to and control over the natural resources in the buffer zone 

(BZ) areas. The study reveals that the poor and socially 

disadvantaged groups are negatively affected by the implementation 

of the BZ management program because the BZ policy limits their 

access to livelihood assets and the decision-making process. 

The BZ policy and operational guidelines undermine the social and 

gender inclusion approach. The BZ policy provides park revenue 

and benefits for community development, but it doesn’t provide an 

equitable mechanism for their access. Since this study analyzes 

policy impacts at the micro level, the BZ management program 

and policy needs to be enhanced from an exclusion/inclusion 

perspective for better participatory conservation programs. 

Key Words: Protected Areas, Buffer Zone Policy, Exclusion, 

Livelihood, Excluded Groups and Equity. 


Inclusion/Exclusion of River-Affected People in 

Conservation and Management of Watershed and 

Natural Resources in Churia Hills 

By Bijay Kumar Singh (Danuwar) 


Abstract 

This study deals on inclusion of river affected people in conservation 

and management of watershed and natural resources. The research 

is carried out in upstream and downstream of Jalad khola of 

Dhanusha district, Nepal. It covers ten VDCs that encompass 

Churia/Siwalik hills, Bhabar and Terai VDCs. As per the set 

objective, the paper discuss mainly in following three aspects (i) 

impacts of river (ii) recognition of stakeholders of Jalad river and its 

watershed and (iii) inclusion/exclusion of stakeholders in upstream 

resource conservation and management. There are numerous 

negative environmental impacts of the Jalad River. The Churia hills 

and watershed of Jalad River are rapidly becoming denuded hills. 

Three villages have been completely displaced by river-bank cutting. 

Field data analysis shows that, 2.87% households are members 

in community forest user groups, 0.97% households are member 

of soil conservation groups and the rest of the downstream affected 

households of Terai are largely excluded from any group. The 

downstream households affected by the Jalad River are not 

recognized as stakeholders. Nevertheless, stakeholder theory 

recognizes both affecters and affectees as the stakeholders. 

Therefore, the distant stakeholders who are positively and/or 

negatively affected by the uses of natural resources should be 

included in the upstream resource conservation and management. 

Policy review shows the missing linkages between upstream and 

downstream settlements. The government needs to develop a sound 

policy and proper strategy for watershed management. 

Key Words: Exclusion, Inclusion, Upstream, Downstream and 

Watershed Management. 


Social Impact of Armed Conflict in Nepal - 

Cause and Impact 

By Anjana Shakya 


Abstract 

The study aims to analyze the overall social impact of armed conflict 

with special focus on women, through the lens of structural violence 

of direct and indirect victims of armed conflict. More specifically, 

the objectives of the research are: to understand root causes from 

the lens of structural violence; to identify how these structural 

inequalities contributed to the outbreak of the armed conflict 

specifically at the level of individual experience; to gauge the social 

impact of the armed conflict; and finally to recommend policy 

implications. The research was conducted in 5 districts covering 

all Ecological Development Regions of Nepal. The target 

respondents were Government Stakeholders, Civil Society, Political 

Party, Indigenous groups, State victims, Maoist victims, Internally 

Displaced People, Children and Women. The analysis is based on 

Adam Curle’s chart on progression of conflict to peaceful relations. 

The study illustrates the conflict has both positive and negative 

impacts. Due to armed conflict, majority of people are aware of 

their human rights and are able to fight against social, cultural and 

political discriminations. However, people of all ages, sex and caste 

bear untold violence, torture, death and trauma. People have become 

more violent and they find weapons as power and voice. Many 

other groups have learned from the past insurgency that violent 

movements are effective means to demand their rights. One Dalit 

activist said that the conflict has not yet resolved and there is 

possibility of further conflicts and violence. 

Key Words: Armed Conflict, Victims, Violence and Social Impact. 


Conflict Induced Migration in Nepal: 


By Padma Prasad Khatiwada 


Abstract 

This research focuses on Conflict Induced Migration in Nepal in 

the essence of social inclusion perspective. It aims to analyze the 

current situation of the conflict induced migration in Nepal and the 

displaced people’s plight. This study is divided into two parts. The 

first part includes macro level analysis by presenting the overall 

situation of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in Nepal based on 

data and information collected through secondary sources. The 

second part includes micro level analysis with demographic, social, 

economic, and cultural characteristics of the selected IDPs based 

on primary data collected from a specific field based research 

design. The research design was finalized in consultation with 

several rounds of consultations with the Supervisor and Social 

Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF)/SNV Nepal facilitated by the Social 

Science Baha. In Nepal, many people were displaced due to the 

10 year long armed conflict between the government and the 

Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). After the peace process initiated 

in 2006, many people believed that IDPs would easily return to 

their respective places of origin. Even though some policy initiatives 

and relief packages were introduced, the problem of IDPs remains 

unresolved. Whoever returned homes were not rehabilitated and 

those still in destination areas have been suffering from scarce 

resources without human dignity. Even though some NGOs are 

working for the rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration of IDPs, 

there is serious gap of coordination among stakeholders so their 

attempts are not successful. There is no apex body to coordinate 

all the stakeholders working for IDPs. 

Key Words: Conflict, Migration, Internally Displaced Peoples, 

Rehabilitation and Resettlement. 


Livestock, Livelihoods and Common Property 

Resource Linkage: Gender, Caste and Ethnicity 

Dynamics in Rural Nepalese Communities 

By Kamala Gurung 


Abstract 

Livestock, a high demanded food item, is also the livelihoods of 

million of rural poor and marginalized people in the developing 

countries. Nevertheless, there is a general perception that the 

livestock is one of the major contributors to environmental problems 

at different level. This research study was carried out by applying 

people-centre participatory techniques in six rural communities 

representing three agro-ecological zones of Nepal. The preliminary 

findings indicate that the rural communities are shifting from 

primarily subsistence farming system to a semi-commercial farming 

of livestock. In this process, the shifting has changed gender roles 

and responsibilities. Further, it has also created greater income 

inequality among the rural poor, female and ethnic groups. Contrary 

to general perception, commercial livestock enterprises have a 

positive contribution in environment (particularly of forest) of Terai 

and mid-hill zones. Nevertheless, study have also explored on 

whether there are any other environmental issues on other parts of 

country. Thus, the study suggests for critical evaluation of social 

inclusion aspect while drafting plan and policy of livestock so that 

the equality maintains in rural income. Further, study suggests on 

enhancing livestock production without degrading environmental 

sustainability. 

Key Words: Livestock Management, Gender, Caste, Ethnicity, 

Income Inequality and Environment. 


February 2010. 


Mainstreaming People with Disability in the 

Development of Nepal 

By Thaneswor Gautam 


Abstract 

The research aims to explore the issues of social exclusioninclusion 

in Nepalese disability sector. The principal objective of 

the research is to assess the existing status of disabled people in 

Nepal in order to design action plans for mainstreaming them in 

national development. The study is based on multi-method 

approach. A large sample household survey has been conducted 

in 11,871 households with 3361 People Living with Disability (PWD) 

from six districts. Beside, other key field research informants are 

PWDs and stakeholders. 

The preliminary findings of the research show that the persons 

having disabilities are socially excluded in Nepal. They are poor in 

skills and highly depended on other family members. The cultural 

values and education systems are pivotal in the process of social 

exclusion of PWD. The present field survey datasets reveal that 

the exclusion-inclusion practice is unidimensional in nature and 

PWD have limited participation in decision making and 

empowerment. By nature, PWD inequality is a result of social 

dominance of small group over the large population and the 

rationalization of inequality by PWD. Therefore, the study highlights 

the possible measures of mainstreaming PWD as rehabilitation, 

integration, collaboration, education, capacity building, governance, 

research and state intervention. The study proposes for the 

integrated and multi level interventions to minimize the inequality 

prevailed in PWD sector of Nepal. 

Key Words: Inclusion, Exclusion, People Living with Disability 

(PWD), Social Dominance and System Justification. 


June, 2009. 




By Dr Jagan Nath Adhikari, B.B Nepali and Radha Gurung 


Abstract 

Land is central livelihood to large majority of population in developing 

economies like Nepal as their household economy depends on 

agricultural income. Many literatures produced in the last three 

decades consider landlessness as the main cause and 

consequence of poverty and underdevelopment in Nepal. Likewise, 

Nepal Living Standard Survey (2003-04) reveals that the poverty 

incidence is high among landless households. Against this 

background, the study aims to analyze the impact of limited access 

of marginalized communities (Dalits, highly marginalized ethnic 

groups and women) in land resources and the measures to enhance 

such access. For this, the study has tested nine hypothesis 

developed through literature survey. The field survey has been 

conducted between 100 households from Lahachowk village of 

Kaski district representing the Hill. Furthermore, the field survey 

will also be conducted in the Terai. The preliminary findings of the 

study reveal that the land distribution is highly skewed across class 

and caste groups. Likewise, the land access determines people’s 

participation in off-farm employment, education and political 

process. Access to non-farm income, especially the out-migration, 

has changes the perception of land ownership and renting. Despite 

demographic pressure, the leasing of land has increased. Likewise, 

remittance inflow has significantly contributed in the growing 

practice of land buying and selling. The study will also recommends 

on policy implications to enhance land access among marginalized 

communities and poor. 

Key Words: Landlessness, Livelihood, Poverty and Marginalized 

Communities. 


July, 2009. 


Socio-Spatial Dimension of Exclusion and 

Inclusion: A Research of Karnali Region 

By Mahesh Pathak and Tibendra Raj Banskota 


Abstract 

Nepal is an ethnical mosaic and has cultural plurality. Various cast 

and ethnic group resides on different geographical and ecological 

regions of the country resulting socio- cultural variation. Dalit, 

Janajati, Madhesi and women are the socially excluded groups. 

The multidimensional issues of social inclusion have been 

neglected in Nepal which might give birth to new form of social 

exclusion situation. Spatial dimension, also known as third 

dimension of social exclusion, deals with social exclusion on 

horizontal level. Spatial disadvantage lie in the remote and isolated 

area which makes its inhabitants physically difficult for broader 

socio-economic sphere, consequently foster the exclusion process. 

In this regard, Karnali region is the most deprived and remote area 

of Nepal. The region has problems of high poverty incidence, 

feminine, illiteracy, ill health and poor service delivery. So Human 

Development indicator of Karnali is poor regardless of the caste 

ethnicity. 

Against this background, this research explores the spatial 

dimension of social exclusion situation in the Karnali region. 

Specifically, the research aims: i) to analyze the historical 

background of the Karnali region in terms of exclusion; ii) to explore 

the process of exclusion in Karnali region; and iii) to examine the 

factors which articulate the deprivation in Karnali region. The 

research study is based on field study, review of empirical study of 

Karnali Region and literature survey. 

Key Words: Spatial Dimension, Marginality, Social Exclusion and 

Karnali Region. 


December 2009. 




By Dal Prasad Pun 


Abstract 

Elders are the fastest growing segment of world’s population. This 

group has emerged noteworthy in Nepal due to significant increase 

in life expectancy and clear decline in total fertility rate. However, 

the information on older population is inadequate and the traditional 

family norms and values of supporting the elderly are eroding. 

Against this background, the research aims to explore on: i)the 

overall status of senior citizens in Nepal especially among selected 

caste and ethnic groups, ii) the dimensions of socio- economic 

and family problems that the elderly people have been facing in 

Nepal and iii) the major exclusionary forces putting elderly people 

at the socio-spatial margin. Using snowball sampling method among 

different caste and ethnic groups, the elders aged 60 years and 

above have been purposively selected from four cast/ethnic groups 

namely Dalits, Magar, Tharu and Brahmin/Chhetri. This sample 

population has been selected from four districts of Nepal. The major 

research tools used by the study are: structured open ended 

interviews, informal conversational interviews, focal group 

discussion, observation visit and photography. The changes in living 

arrangement of elderly among the different caste and ethnic groups 

have been addressed via livelihood approaches and modernization 

theories. The preliminary findings suggest that: i) The perceptions 

of age differ by ethnic background and socio-economic status; ii) 

The living arrangements of elderly vary among the caste and ethnic 

groups; and iii) The modernization process has revised the living 

arrangements of elderly people. 

Key Words: Elderly People, Ethnic and Caste Groups, Livelihood 

Approach and Modernization. 


July, 2009. 





Pasang Sherpa and Md. Zahid Parwez 

Awarded Date: 2007 Completed Date: Ongoing 

Abstract 

Social exclusion of particular group is a great threat toward the 

national building process. Education can play a vital role in the 

inclusion of different ethnic and minority group in the main stream 

of a country. In this regard, this paper aims to explore on the role 

of education in the social inclusion of Muslims, the minority religious 

group of Nepal. Census, 2001 has reported that the literacy rate of 

Muslims was only 34.72% in comparison of national literacy rate 

of 53.7%. This study has attempted to analyze the problems of 

Muslims regarding their low literacy based on sociological theory, 

religious construct and national policies on minority. The field survey 

has been conducted in six districts covering four development 

regions of the country. The preliminary findings of the study reveal 

that Muslims give high importance to religious education so they 

prefer Madrasa education than the formal education. Further, the 

study finds that the schooling of Muslims is negligible in the locality 

where religious institutions are not available. Additionally, study 

highlights that Hill Muslims feel less discrimination than Terai 

Muslims. Thus, the study further explore on the effective policy 

measure to improve Muslim education in order to enhance their 

inclusion in development practices. 

Key Words: Social Inclusion, Muslims and Education. 


October, 2009. 


Social Exclusion in Education: A Study on School 

Dropouts in Terai and Hill Districts of Nepal 

By: Binay Kumar Kushiyait (Yadav) 


Abstract 

Social exclusion hurts disadvantaged people and educational 

attainment is one of the most crucial indicators to measure the 

extent of social exclusion prevailed in the country. In this regard, 

the study aims to analyze the status of School dropouts in Hill and 

Terai District of Nepal. The study also reviews government policy 

and programs to minimize the dropout and enhance the educational 

attainment. The study is based on field survey and ethnographic 

research. The field survey has been conducted between schools 

in one district each selected from Hill and Terai ecological belt. 

The key research tools used by the study are: focal group 

discussion, questionnaire interviews and key informants interviews. 

The preliminary finding of the study reveals that the high dropout is 

observed in disadvantaged children. Poverty and discriminatory 

social custom have come out as primary factors responsible for 

high dropout. The study will also recommend on policy implication 

to enhance educational attainment of disadvantaged peoples. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion, Educational Attainment and 

Disadvantaged Peoples. 


March 2009. 



Theme: Others 





By Khar Bhushan Sah 


Abstract 

Witch accusation is a burning problem in the Nepalese society. 

Although the conservative approach is believed to not exist in 

modern educated society, witch accusation exists especially in 

the village areas where tradition and superstition is prevalent due 

to illiteracy. The research aims to investigate the problems 

associated with witch accusation in female population of the Terai 

districts. The field research has been conducted in Two Village 

Development Committees of Mahottari district located in the central 

region of Nepal. The key methods of information collection are: 

Key informant interview, Case studies and Focus Group Discussion. 

The study finds that most of the victims of witch accusation are 

innocent poor women and they are generally accused by their 

relatives, neighbours, women group and Dhami (traditional healer). 

Villagers believe that the Dhami identifies the witch and the 

presence of Dhami/ Jhankri in the village is a prime reason for the 

existence of witch accusation practice. The accused women are 

treated inhumanly by the villagers. 

Social activists, NGO, journalists, and police seem to play an 

important role to protect such accused. The study recommends 

for awareness programs against traditional superstitious beliefs 

and the strict law against witch accusation. 

Key Words: Witch Accusation, Dhami, Jhakri, Social Activists, 

Awareness Program and Strict Law. 



By Manai Mahato 


Abstract 

The research deals with such groups of backward classes which 

are neither included in Ethnic Group nor included in Dalit. The 

main objective of the research is to determine reservation policy 

for the progress and equal participation of Other Backward Classes 

(OBC). The study is conducted in Kathmandu district. OBC is a 

collective community of various castes in Madhesh and they are 

graded as secondary citizens of the country. OBC should also be 

recognized as an individual by the nation as well as society. The 

study points that OBC are substantially backward to compete in 

the modern era of globalization and privatization so the OBC 

reservation should be maintain in public as well as private sectors. 

In addition, the study recommends for 20 percent reservation to 

OBC in order to include them in development process. 

Key Words: Other Backward Class (OBC), Reservation and 

Affirmative Action. 


Assessment of Environmental Governance 

for Sustainable Forest Management in 

Bara District of Nepal 

By Ram Lama 


Abstract 

The study deals on launching Collaborative Forest Management 

(CFM) program in the spirit of environmental governance (EG). The 

study has been conduced in Bara, a district from Terai region of 

Nepal. Primary data for the study has been collected using field 

observations, household survey and key informants interviews. The 

field level information triangulate between district forestry coordination 

committee members, local NGOs and social workers. 

The study finds that, CFM is favoured by almost 100% of the 

sampled population. There is active participation of users in the 

forestry activities. Further, the study shows that the environmental 

governance will be an important input in the exiting working 

mechanism of CFM. It will enhance the institutional capacities of 

CFM. It also motivates community for proper use of resources and 

environmental services. However, national government doesn’t pay 

any attention to EG. The study concludes that CFM in the spirit of 

EG will lead to participatory forest management activities. 

Key Words: Environmental Governance, Community Forest 

Management and Participation. 


Assessment of Environmental Governance 

for Socio- Economic Aspects of Child Marriage: 

A Case Study of Dhalkewar VDC of 

Dhanusha District 

By Santosh Kumar Sah 


Abstract 

The research attempts to understand socio-economic aspects of 

child marriage with a case study of Dhalkewar VDC of Dhanusa 

district in Eastern Nepal. The study covers all the nine wards of 

Dhalkewar VDC with the sample of 182 women from the 148 

sampled household. The proportion of below 18 years women’s 

marriage is highest among the Terai Dalits (79.4%) followed by 

Terai middle caste (75%), Hill high caste (52.4%), Hill ethnics (45%) 

and Hill Dalits (44%). The observed difference is statistically 

significant which suggests a relationship between women's 

marriage age and caste/ethnicity. Women's marriage age also differs 

in terms of the religion e.g. Muslim women has the lowest marriage 

age (16 years) followed by Christian (16.3 years), Hindu (16.8 years) 

and Buddhist (18.7 years). The proportion of below 18 years 

women’s marriage is higher among the women from nuclear family 

(65.5%) than the women from extended family (58.7%). However, 

the observed difference is not statistically significant so age of 

girl’s marriage do not differ with family type. The Proportion of below 

18 years girl’s marriage is highest (65.6%) in middle size family 

(5-6 members) followed by small size family (63.2%) and large 

family (56.5%). The difference is not statistically significant so 

marriage age of the girl do not differ with the family size. The 

proportion of below 18 girls’ marriage is higher in agriculture 

household (65.2%) than non-agriculture household (61.2%). Further, 

women married before 18 have more number of children than those 

married after 18. 

Key Words: Child Marriage, Socio- Economic Aspect and Caste. 



By Chanda Thapa 


Abstract 

This study aims to examine the social status of People Living with 

HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) with special focus on woman. The study 

concentrates on the human rights of PLHAs, the legal provision 

against social stigma and the empowerment of HIV infected women. 

The study has conducted interviews with 50 HIV infected people 

from Dharan Positive Group located in Sunsari, Makwanpur Mahila 

Samuha located in Makwanpur and Shakti Milan Samuha located 

in Kathmandu. Three focus group discussions, one each in Sunsari, 

Makawanpur and Kathmandu districts, have been conducted. 

Likewise, three key informant interviews have also been 

administered in order to collect views on social perspective of HIV 

infected people. Five case studies, based on both primary and 

secondary sources, have also been studied. Among 50 HIV infected 

respondents, the age group of 26-30 accounts highest share of 

32% followed by the age group 31-35. As observed, HIV generally 

infects the productive age population which is a great loss to the 

country's economy. The study finds that the social stigma towards 

PLHA prevails among general people as well as doctors and nurses. 

The children with HIV and AIDS are not admitted in the school. So, 

PLHAs face social isolation and emotional distress. The stigma 

and discrimination has also deterred individuals from voluntarily 

testing of HIV which consequently impede both preventive and 

surveillance efforts. The study shows that 64% of the respondents 

got the HIV infection through sexual relation with sex workers or 

infection husband and the remaining 36% were infected by syringe. 

The study shows that the women PLHAs are more vulnerable to 

HIV and AIDS compared to male PLHAs. The study concludes 

that the social status of PLHAs is vulnerable. 

Key Words: People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), Social 

Status, Social Stigma, Discrimination and Vulnerability. 



due to Armed Conflict: A Study of Western Nepal 

By Tulsi Panthee (Dhakal) 


Abstract 

The study aims to identify and analyze the socio- economic impact 

of the peoples who have been displaced internally due to armed 

conflict. The four social parameters - educational status, health 

status, cultural and traditional practices status and general 

psychological status – have been used to analyze socio impact. 

Likewise, four economic parameters - agricultural status, 

employment status, business status and remittances status - have 

been used to analyze economic impact. The research has been 

carried out in three districts namely Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and 

Nawalparasi of western Nepal. The survey sample consist 205 

displaced of which 69 respondents each from Rupandehi and 

Kapilvastu and 68 respondents from Nawalparasi. The study finds 

positive impact on education and health status. But, there is negative 

impact on cultural, traditional practices and general psychology. 

In terms of economic parameters, there is positive impact on 

employment status, business status and remittances status. 

Hence, the socio- economic impact of displaced people is mix. 

Key Words: Internal Displacement, Armed Conflict and Socio- 

Economic Impact. 


A Study of Problems of Muslim Minority in 

Kapilbastu and Gorkha Districts of Nepal 

By Abdul Salam 


Abstract 

Muslim is one of the less advantaged communities of Nepal. This 

study tries to examine the problems of Muslim minority in 

Kapilbastu and Gorkha districts of Nepal. The study has selected 

total of 120 households from 8780 Muslim households in the study 

districts and 63 individuals have been interviewed in both districts 

using semi-close questionnaire. Key Informant Interviews and focus 

group discussions have also been conducted. The study finds that 

Muslims are still absorbed with their religion. The study highlights 

the major problems of Nepali Muslims as illiteracy, poverty and 

lower standard of living. Literacy and educational qualifications are 

vital indicators of social status but the study finds that the Muslim 

women are confined to religious education and they have limited 

access in formal education. So, the literacy rate of Muslim in the 

study area is 40.2%. Further, the study highlights that Muslims 

are highly engaged in traditional and intensive subsistence farming 

which also results poverty and low annual income in this community. 

Key Words: Muslim Community, Literacy, Education and Poverty. 


A Comparative Study of Inter Caste Marriage in 


By Kripa Sharma 


Abstract 

This study aims a comparative analysis of inter caste marriage in 

rural and urban Nepal. The study has been conducted in two social 

grounds – rural (Sindhukot of Sindhupalchock) and urban 

(Kathmandu and Lalitpur). It has been generally observed that Inter 

caste marriages are borne out of migration. The study has 

administered field survey between fifty inter- caste married women. 

The study finds that the inter caste marriage plays a major role in 

challenging mainstream ideas of marriage. The study also highlights 

that the women themselves should realize the role that inter caste 

marriage plays in removing caste boundaries. The study concludes 

that the present caste system does not encourage the inter caste 

marriages and the present caste system has done a considerable 

damage to the nation by posing an encumbrance to the inter caste 

marriages. The study has recommended on two aspects i) forming 

societies and NGOs that support and encourage inter-caste 

marriages and ii) discourage the practices of the caste-system 

that avoid inter- caste marriage. 

Key Words: Inte- Caste Marriage, Caste System, Lower Caste 

and Discrimination. 




By Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar 


Abstract 

The study deals on inclusive institutional structure in state 

governance for representation of diverse Nepali populations including 

marginalized or/and excluded groups (namely Dalits, Janajati, 

Madhesh and Women). Triyuga Municipality of Udaypur District in 

Eastern Nepal has been selected for field survey. The respondents 

of field survey are Dalits, Janajati, Madheshi and Women. The field 

survey works include: i) Four focus group discussions among the 

target groups and ii) Six case studies of three men and three women 

from same group. The study also consist 30 case studies 

representing different political parties such as Nepali Congress, 

CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), 

Janamorcha Nepal and employees of Triyuga municipality. The 

study finds that Bahun- Chhetris control almost all main political 

parties and the excluded groups are party workers and followers. 

Women’s participation in local governance is low as well as less 

inclusive. Further, participation of excluded groups in professional 

work is very low and the scenario is similar in local bodies/ 

municipalities. Local governance will be more inclusive if there are 

changes in structural mechanism for fair representation of excluded 

groups and if there are some affirmative actions both in remedial 

and preferential level. 

Key Words: Local Governance, Social Inclusion, Dalits, Janajati, 

Madheshi and Women. 




By Sanjay Kumar Das 


Abstract 

The study explores causes of dowry system in Dhanusha district 

of Nepal. Based on descriptive cross-sectional study, both 

quantitative and qualitative data has been collected in the district 

using multistage–systematic random sampling technique. The 

study finds that dowry system exists mainly in Hindu culture. . 

Initiated as a gift of love to brides, it later becomes compulsory 

custom which subsequently invite curse toward women dignity. In 

Nepal’s Mithilanchal region (Dhanusha is also located in this 

region), this ancient culture has generated social evils since 1960. 

The study finds many evidences where parents become paupers 

after paying large dowries to their daughters and these evidence 

are more observed in the middle level families. So, dowry has 

increases wealth gap and also invites gender inequality. 

Key Words: Dowry 'tilak', Gender Inequality, Wealth Gap and 

Mithilaanchal. 


Inclusion of Poor, Women and Dalits in Community 

Forestry: Examining Principles and Practices 

By Som Bahadur Bohora (Sarki) 


Abstract 

Despite inclusive approach of Nepal’s forestry policy, the inclusion 

of poor, women, and Dalits is still questionable. This study has 

reviewed the principles of social inclusion in community forestry 

and examined such practices in two Community Forest User 

Groups (CFUGs) in Baglung district of Western Nepal. Besides 

administrating questionnaire interview, the field survey techniques 

includes: key informant survey, direct observation and informal 

discussion. As per the need, secondary data has been collected 

from different published and un-published literatures. The study 

reveals low representation of poor, women and Dalits in the 

executive committees of CFUGs and the decision-making process. 

Inclusive approach has not been followed in the benefit sharing, 

forest products distribution and fund mobilization mechanism. 

Interestingly, fee and geographical location has not come out as 

major obstacles for inclusion. The study recommends that the 

government policy should be revised to address inclusion issues 

and there should be proper monitoring and evaluation of inclusion 

measures. 

Key Words: Poor, Women, Dalits, Inclusion and Community 

Forestry. 



By Mina Tamang 


Abstract 

The study examines the causes of internal migration in Kathmandu 

valley. Most of the migrants to Kathmandu valley are from the 

surrounding districts such as Kavrepalanchock, Dhading, Nuwakot, 

Sindhupalchock, and Dolakha. The migrants to Kathmandu are 

primarily attracted by employment opportunity (36%), higher studies 

opportunity (20%) and business opportunity (16%) in Kathmandu. 

Likewise, the migrant are encouraged by: unemployment (33%), 

business failure (20%) and limited higher studies (15.55%) in the 

residence of origin. The study highlights that there is no institutional 

provision to regulate inter migration in the country. 

Key Words: Internal Migrations, Mobility and Push and Pull Factor. 


Rights of Conflict Displaced Persons: 

A Case of Kathmandu Valley with Special 

Reference to Post Conflict Nepal 

By Rom Bahadur Thapa Magar 


Abstract 

Internal displacement, as observed in Nepal, is one of the most 

tragic phenomena of the contemporary world. This study attempts 

to explore human rights situation of conflict-induced IDPs. 

Specifically, it focuses on: IDP’s right to return of home, IDP’s 

right to get back deceased property and IDP’s right to get 

compensation of damaged property. 

IDPs of Nepal are far from homogeneous – the IDP populations are 

from different profiles. Few of them are able to return back but 

majority of them are not able to return back due to fragile political 

and security situation and slow reconstruction and reconciliation 

process. The government has ignored many displaced people and 

provided limited help. Further, International agencies have lately 

planned to assist IDP-affected areas. In light of the government’s 

limited capacity, the international community has the responsibility 

to assist the government. Besides right to return, IDPs have a right 

to restore to their actual homes which is also a recognized 

international right. Further, Government of Nepal should recognize 

fundamental human rights of IDPs which include: right of safe 

housing, right of education, right of good health, right of nutritious 

food and right to work. 

Key Words: Internal Displaced People (IDP), Armed Conflict and 

Human Right. 


A Study on Status of Senior Citizen of 

Kathmandu Metropolitan City 

By Ramesh Rana (Magar) 


Abstract 

Senior citizens with 61 years and above are the aged group of 

Nepal that is expanding rapidly. Transformation of the traditional 

extended family into a nuclear family has compelled senior citizens 

to be marginalized and even abandoned from family and society. 

The research study has been carried out between 188 senior 

citizens form Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The study aims to 

identify the socio-economic status of senior citizens, their interest 

and their need. 

The research finds that Asthma and Hypertension are the major 

health problems of senior citizens followed by Gastritis or abdominal 

problems. They are interested to pass their time in religious 

activities. Senior citizen has limited family support for the health 

treatment so the free health check-up should be provisioned to 

them. The study recommends addressing senior citizen problem 

by their family. 

Key Words: Senior Citizens and Family Relationship. 


A Study on the Causes and Consequences of 

Child Marriage in Dhanushdham VDC of 

Dhanusha District 

By Nawal Kishor Yadav 


Abstract 

The incidence of child marriage and dowry persists in almost all 

caste of the Terai region of Nepal with high occurrence in the rural 

area. The study aims to analyze the existing status of child marriage 

practices and its consequences. The study conducted field survey 

between purposively selected 50 households from Dhanushdham 

VDC of Dhanusha district. Beside household survey, primary data 

have been collected through interview, observation, case study, 

focus group discussion and district level workshop. 

The study finds that 45% of the respondents married their children 

at the age of 9-12 years and the incidence of child marriage is 

highest in Mushahar and Dom communities. The study elaborates 

that the factors influencing child marriage are traditional believes, 

culture, illiteracy, high dowry system, manpower for household work 

and poverty. Furthermore, the study highlights that the early 

marriage invites mental and physical problem in children. The study 

recommends for proper legal provision against child marriages and 

its effective implementation mechanism. 

Key Words: Child Marriage, Dowry, Mental Problem and Physical 

Problem. 




By Janga Bir Rana Magar 


Abstract 

The study aims to assess the socio- economic and demographic 

situation of the migrants and explore on factors contributing to 

migration. The study has explored problems associated with 

migration particularly in terms of employment, technical skill and 

living conditions. This study was conducted in different parts of 

Biratnagar sub metropolitan city which is the second largest urban 

centres of Nepal. Total of 125 households from five clusters were 

selected using purposive sampling. Among total selected 

households, Brahmin accounts highest share of 36.8% in sample 

followed by Chhetri 25.6%, Rai 12.8% and Chaudhari 5.6%. 

The study finds that the major causes of migration is violence, 

insecurity, socio economic condition, health related problem and 

political causes. After displacement, 64% are living in rented house; 

followed by camp with 15%, own house with 14% and relatives 

and friend's house with 7%. Further, majority of the field survey 

respondents are unsecured by the Madhesi Andolan (Madhesi 

movement) and most of the respondents have not participated in 

socio-political activities. Likewise, unemployment is the major 

problem of the migrants. The study concludes that the migration 

management is an important issue in Nepal in recent year but this 

issue is not the priority of government policies. 

Key Words: Migration, Social Inclusion, Security and Living 

Condition. 


Adaptive Strategies of Nepali Muslims in Urban 

Setting: A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley 

By Sunil Shakya 


Abstract 

Nepal is rich in term of cultural heritages and cultural diversification. 

The Muslims, a minority community of Nepal, have religious and 

cultural difference with Hindu religion of the country. Against this 

background, this study aims to explore on settlement process of 

Muslims living in Nepal. The major questions raised by the study 

are: i) What is the historical background of Muslims in Kathmandu?; 

ii) How are they coping with other non-Muslims in the changing 

urban setting?; iii) What types of coping strategies do they follow?; 

iv) What aspects of these Muslims have changed?; and v) How are 

they maintaining their identity? Urban residence of Kathmandu 

Valley has been selected as the study area and 102 Muslims have 

been deliberately selected from 7 mosques. The study has been 

conducted in Kathmandu Valley so its finding should not be 

generalized. The study finds that: i) Muslims share 0.89 percent of 

Kathmandu valley’s population; ii) Muslims have migrated from 

neighbouring countries India and Tibet; iii) Kathmandu Muslims 

have maintained their culture and they also encourage the cultural 

harmony by participating in non-Muslim festivals and iv) Muslim 

youths are more liberal than elders. The study elaborates that the 

Muslim migrated to Kathmandu for trade, business and new 

employment opportunity available in ancient Nepal. Even today, 

majority of Muslims are engaged in business and their engagement 

in paid job is significantly less. In many instances, Muslims have 

faced discrimination of being minority and such discrimination has 

sometime created havoc in the society. Nevertheless, Muslims 

community feels their settlement in Hindu area as cultural harmony. 

Key Words: Muslims, Adaptive Strategy, Trade, Business and 

Hindu. 




By Lisha Shrestha 


Abstract 

The research aims to explore on challenges and opportunities of 

Conflict Induced Victims in the post conflict period. The field survey 

has been carried out between the conflict victims from two Village 

Development Committees of Rolpa district. The study finds that 

the livelihood condition of the people in Rolpa has further degraded 

during post conflict period as 45.2% respondents have such reply. 

Likewise, the conflict victims have a feeling of revenge attack and 

they are not satisfied with resettlement and rehabilitation process. 

The people blames that the state as well as Maoist has underestimated 

the livelihood condition of conflict victims of Rolpa. They 

suggest that Maoist in cooperation with government should work 

together to improve their livelihood status. Further, the study 

recommends that the government should establish its presence in 

remote communities of the district so that it can capitalize the 

increasing level of political and social awareness developed by the 

conflict for the development of Rolpa. 

Key Words: Post Conflict Period, Conflict Victims, Livelihood 

Condition and Awareness. 


7 

Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project 

Undertaken by 





Social Exclusion, Democratic Inclusion and 

Insurgency in Nepal1 Abstracts Compiled by Magnus Hatlebakk 


Abstract 

This project aims to explore social exclusion, democratic inclusion 

and Insurgency in Nepal. The project has a number of sub-projects 

with one, two or more papers from each sub-project. There are two 

papers on Methodology by Gunnar Håland and Nabin Rawal.; The 

project on “Exclusive or Inclusive Justice. A study of Civil Cases in 

Morang District Court” is conducted by Hugo Stokke.; The project 

on “Democracy in Everyday Life” is conducted by Suresh Dhakal.; 

The project on “Factors That have Contributed to the Insurgency” 

have a qualitative port conducted by Chaitanya Msihra and a 

quantitative part conducted by Magnus Hatlebakk; The project 

titled “Agrarian Change in Maoist Influenced Areas of Nepal” is 

conducted by Magnus Hatlebakk.; The project titled “Migration and 

Social Exclusion “ is conducted by Yogendra B Gurung.; The project 

titled “Statistical Indicators of Social and Economic Exclusion” is 

conducted by Arun Lal Das.; The project titled “Government Policies 

and Programs for Inclusion” is conducted by Ramesh C. Chitrakar.; 

The paper titled “Locating the Middle Ground” has been prepared 

by Chaitanya Mishra and The paper titled “The UN’s Role in Peace 

Operations: Nepal as an Exceptional Case.” is prepared by Astri 

Suhrke. This section contains abstract of 12 sub-projects. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion, Democratic Inclusion and 

Insurgency, Nepal and Thematic Paper. 

Note: This project has not completed yet and it will complete on 

March 2009 

1 Publications are/will be available at www.cmi.no 


Methodology 

By Prof. Gunnar Håland 


Abstract 

This draft paper starts with an introduction to the historical origin 

of the caste system as a belief system where occupational 

positions are associated with social identities, which in turn serve 

as a principle for division of labour. Further, the paper discusses 

exclusion processes as the outcome of access to different types 

of capital, as discussed by Bourdieu, that is, economic, symbolic, 

social and cultural capital. Håland argues that the cultural capital 

is essential in Nepal to understand social exclusion. This approach 

to analysing social exclusion as the outcome of access to different 

types of capital is implemented in many of the sub-projects. 

Key Words: Caste System, Social Identity, Division of Labour 

and Socio Cultural Capital. 


Methodology 

By Nabin Rawal 


Abstract 

The paper argues that the social exclusion concept is a response 

to crisis of the European welfare states in 1970s and it is not well 

defined in the Nepali context. A conceptual discussion of social 

exclusion concept is a prerequisite for the research program so 

the paper was very useful in the initial phase of the project. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion and European Welfare States. 


Exclusive or Inclusive Justice: 

A Study of Civil Cases in Morang District Court 

By Hugo Stokke 


Abstract 

This paper starts with the introduction of three distinct approaches 

to social exclusion: solidarity (popular among sociologists), 

specialization (popular among economists) and monopoly (popular 

among social scientists inspired by Weber and Marx). 

Subsequently, the study specifies the focus of the study as 

“Inclusion in the Formal Judicial System” and the district level court, 

an entry point of legal system in Nepal, is the unit of study. The 

study explores the archives of Morang District Court with specific 

attention to who bring up the cases in the court. In this regard, the 

study indicates a dominance of urban people and high castes, 

while field-visits reveal that Madhesi Dalits bring up conflicts in 

village meetings with local political leaders. 

Key Words: Social Inclusion, Justice, Legal System, Solidarity, 

Specialization and Monopoly. 



By Suresh Dhakal 


Abstract 

Suresh Dhakal has conducted a long term anthropological fieldwork 

in Morang district. His first paper focuses on participation in a 

particular UNDP supported Local Governance Program. He uses 

data from a village census conducted as part of the project. His 

main finding shows that the political parties represent a separate 

arena for inclusion in local organizations. He shows how UML 

monopolized the program by taking credit of the fact that the 

program is implemented in the village. Other political actors stay 

away from the UNDP supported organizations as membership would 

be interpreted as a support for UML. Not only politically active 

people but also friends and other people dependent on them stay 

away. The second draft paper discusses CBOs and the public 

spheres of the village more in general. Dhakal uses the term ‘public 

sphere’ to mean a common inter-communicating space, in principle 

accessible to all, which anyone may enter with the issues that 

concern everyone and views on the common good realized wholly 

or partially. Following an operational definition of public sphere in 

the local specific context, he describes the different types and 

nature of public spheres in the village and intends to engage readers 

in conceptualizing political process and democracy in everyday 

life of the citizens. He argues that public spheres provide the 

potential spaces for the public debates, which have implications in 

the local politics, and, consequently to democratization in everyday 

life. While doing so, his endeavour is to demonstrate that politics 

in everyday life takes place outside the overt political sphere, and 

sometimes, combined with other ‘developmental’ social and cultural 

processes taking place in the local area. 

Key Words: Participation, Public Spheres and Politics. 



By Prof. Chaitanya Mishra 


Abstract 

Chaitanya Mishra is solely responsible for this subproject, which 

has led to the following 4 output: 1) ‘Political Transition in Nepal: 

Toward an Analytical framework’ in Essays on the Sociology of 

Nepal. 2007. Kathmandu: Fineprint. Pp.1-34.; 2) ‘The End of 

Monarchy and Loosening of Social Nonds.’ Nepal news magazine. 

2008. Pp. 34-6.Available at www.cmi.no.; 3) ‘New Nepal and New 

Nepalis.’ Gorakhapatra. Special Issue, May 6, 2008. p.1,7. An 

English version available at www.cmi.no. and 4) Collection of life 

histories of 100 individuals across Nepal. The collection will 

hopefully be published in a volume by the end of 2009 with title 

‘One Hundred Lives in Transition’. 

The first 3 publications analyze the proximate factors and historical 

structural changes that led to the political transition, including the 

Maoist insurgency and the 2006 people’s movement. Mishra 

focuses on the declining role of the agricultural sector and the 

educational development. The result is a generation of educated 

young people that are uprooted (excluded) from their rural ties, 

and live urban lives within Nepal (even in the rural) and abroad. This 

class of young, educated but unemployed youths has been a driving 

force in the recent transition. The collection of life stories elaborates 

the correspondence between the political transition at the state 

level on the one hand and the transitions and/or lack thereof that a 

cross section of lay individuals, families and communities have 

experienced and negotiated during their lifetime. The principal locus 

of transition sought to be identified is that of generation of livelihood. 

Further, transitions include human and social capabilities required 

to drive forward a new mode of generating livelihood, political and 

social engagement, visions of the future and strategies to implement 

that vision. 

Key Words: Insurgency, Political Transition and Social Bond. 



By Magnus Hatlebakk 


Abstract 

This is a quantitative paper that analyses factors that may explain 

the strength of the Maoists, as well as the conflict level in different 

districts of Nepal. Hatlebakk shows that income poverty, but not 

landlessness is high in Maoist controlled districts. As inequality is 

an alternative explanation for recruitment into left-wing groups, he 

has also tested for this hypothesis and finds that land inequality, 

but not income inequality, is correlated with Maoist control. In terms 

of political implications, economic development and employment 

is necessary, not only in itself, but also to counteract new political 

unrest. 

Key Words: Maoist Insurgency, Inequality and Economic 

Development. 


Agrarian Change in Maoist Influenced Areas 

of Nepal 

By Magnus Hatlebakk 


Abstract 

Hatlebakk has conducted a statistical analysis of agrarian change 

in Maoist influenced districts of Nepal, in contrast to other districts. 

Nepal Living Standards Survey data from 1995, prior to the Maoist 

insurgency, and 2003, at the height of insurgency, is applied to 

analyze land distribution and agricultural wages. The results depend 

on the definition of Maoist control, with agrarian change being 

different in districts with a People's government, as compared to 

districts defined by the government as influenced by the conflict. 

There is some, although weak, indication that households with 

small and medium sized farms have increased their holdings in 

districts where the Maoists' have announced a People's government, 

while larger land holdings in those districts are split among family 

members, which in turn indicate a successful agrarian change 

according to the Maoist agenda. 

Key Words: Agrarian Change, Maoist and Farm Size. 



By Yogendra B. Gurung 


Abstract 

Gurung has two papers. The first paper is a quantitative analysis of 

migration patterns for different castes and ethnic groups. He 

identifies indicators for different types of capital that in turn reflect 

different sources of social and economic exclusion, and investigate 

empirically whether these types of capital may explain migration 

patterns. Some of his findings are not obvious. He finds that literate 

people migrate less than the illiterate, people of hill origin migrate 

more than Madhesis, and people are more likely to migrate if they 

own land. The second paper, which is still in work, will be based on 

new data collected by Gurung in a village in Morang district. The 

paper will explore the underlying structural factors that motivate 

people to migrate for work in rural settings of eastern Tarai. 

Babiyabirta of Morang is selected for the case study, which is one 

of the biggest VDCs in Morang with residence of 41 different caste 

and ethnic groups from both hill and Tarai origin. The sample size 

is 497, 20 per cent of 2483 households. The survey was carried 

out in November 2008. The survey found that 41.3 percent (205 

households) of the households have at least one migrant, 17 percent 

households have returnees, and 19 percent of the returnees are 

planning to migrate again for work. The paper attempts to conduct 

a multilevel analysis to examine the motivation of migration for 

work. 

Key Words: Migration, Social Inclusion and Madheshi. 


Statistical Indicators of Social and 

Economic Exclusion 

By Arun Kumar Lal Das 


Abstract 

This is a statistical analysis of differences between castes and 

ethnic groups of Nepal with respect to a number of economic and 

social indicators. It focuses on education, land distribution and 

poverty. Despite of consorted efforts to achieve universal basic and 

primary education by various agencies, there are noticeable 

disparities in the educational achievements, measured in terms of 

literacy and mean years of schooling, among the main ethnic 

groups of Nepal. The Hill Bahun/Chhetri group is far ahead and led 

by the Brahmin caste in particular. The Tarai Dalits, in contrast, 

are quite behind with the poorest condition of Mushar who are 

mostly illiterate and have virtually no schooling. 

Hill Bahun/Chhetri holds more agricultural land than others followed 

by the Janajati of Tarai origin. The situation of landlessness coupled 

with very poor education level and low paid agriculture employment 

explains the low living standards of the Tarai Dalits. Among them, 

the situation of Mushar is the worst. 

Both access to land as well as the wage situation favour the Hill 

Bahun/Chhetri group which consequently lead to a better economic 

condition of these groups The Bahun caste, in particular, is at the 

top with the best living standard with high consumption and the 

lowest poverty rate. The Tarai Dalits, in contrast, are bound to 

survive with limited access to resources as well as discrimination 

in the wage market, which has pushed them into a serious poverty 

trap. 

Key Words: Social Inclusion, Land Distribution, Education and 

Poverty. 



By Dr. Ramesh C. Chitrakar 


Abstract 

Chitrakar has one draft paper on educational policies targeting Dalit 

children, and has started the work on a second paper on inclusion 

in the processes around the tenth development plan and the 3year 

interim plan. The Dalit education paper examines and analyzes 

the status of education access among Dalits, with especial reference 

to Musahar. The methodologies used include semi-structured 

household questionnaire, key informants interviews and 

observations. The survey was carried out in 4 selected VDCs of 

Morang district with high concentration of Musahar. A total of 231 

households were surveyed. 

The study finds that Musahar children are not interested to attend 

school and parents are negligent and does not motivate the children 

to go to school. Poverty is the main reason for not sending children 

to school. Due to poverty, parents prefer to send children for 

household works to make some earnings, indicating the need to 

tie up Dalits’ education programs with livelihood programs. Though 

there are various programs to increase enrollment of Dalit Children, 

they have not been successful to the expected level, implying the 

need of further efforts, including awareness and motivation programs 

for the parents’ themselves. On monetary incentive, incentive on 

regular basis compared to payment of Rs 350 in two installments 

at present, is likely to be more effective. Alternatively, regular lunch/ 

tiffin may be a better incentive as children are found to disappear 

at lunch time due to the fact that they start feeling hungry by that 

time. 

Key Words: Government Policy and Program, Inclusion and 

Education. 


Locating the Middle Ground 

By Prof. Chaitanya Mishra 


Abstract 

Professor Mishra has a number of publications on this topic, which 

to some extent are based on the publications on the political 

transition mentioned above. The publications on the middle ground, 

or the way ahead for Nepal, are: 

- ‘Is there a “Middle Ground?” Political and Economic Platforms 

of Political Actors in Nepal.’ Draft Paper. 

- ‘Common Ground: Social Democracy.’ Himal 

Newsmagazine. 1-28 May, 2008. Pp. 14-6. Himal 

Newsmagazine. A summary version in English available at 

www.cmi.no website. 

- ‘The King Cannot Make a Comeback.’ Himal Newsmagazine. 

29 March-12 April, 2008. p. 28. A summary version in English 

available at www.cmi.no website. 

- ‘Imagining Economic Federalism.’ Gorakhapatra (Daily). 

September 19, 2008. p.7. A summary version in English 

available at www.cmi.no website. 

In these papers, Professor Mishra argues for continued economic 

development, which must include employment and a social security 

net in order to avoid unrest among the youth and a possible 

breakdown of the democratic process. He further argues that the 

social democratic model is the only feasible solution that can 

safeguard democracy as well as economic development. 

Key Words: Middle Ground and Social Politics. 


The UN’s role in Peace Operations: 

Nepal as an Exceptional Case 

By Astri Suhrke 


Abstract 

Based on Suhrke's experience from conflicts and peace processes 

in other countries, we decided that it would be useful for the project 

to understand the peace process in Nepal as a part of the way 

ahead sub-project. Suhrke has conducted her fieldwork, interviewing 

main actors in the peace process with a focus on the role of the 

UN. The paper, which is still in work, is organized as follows. The 

first part discusses the growth of the international peace building 

regime in the UN context in order to provide an understanding of 

the truly exceptional nature of the limited mission in Nepal. The 

claims made by the academic and policy literature for the beneficial 

effects of a strong and comprehensive international support mission 

are assessed. If these claims are correct, the minimalist mission 

in Nepal would mean significant opportunity costs in terms of 

securing the peace process or a peace dividend (however defined). 

The second part develops the Nepal case study as ‘the exceptional 

case’. The reasons for the limited mission are discussed, followed 

by an examination of the achievements and weaknesses of the 

UN contribution to the peace process. The UN role in a somewhat 

similar post-conflict situation is discussed, i.e. UNOSAL in El 

Salvador in the 1990s. The Nepal case study focuses on UNMIN, 

but also on the role of UNICEF and UNDP which were active in 

significant parts of the process, particularly some dealing with social 

and political inclusion and protection of vulnerable groups. 

Key Words: Conflicts, Peace Process and UN. 



8 

Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project 

Undertaken By: 

Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research, 

Centre for Nepalese and Asian Studies, Shtrii Shakti 

and Nepal Participatory Action Network 



Social Exclusion and Group Mobilisation: An 

Examination of Household and Group Strategies 

for Overcoming Social Exclusion 2 

By Marit Haug 

Awarded Year: 2006 Completion Year: Ongoing 

Abstract 

This project is a joint effort between 2 research institutions, CNAS 

and NIBR, and 2 leading civil society organisations working for 

excluded communities, S2 and NEPAN. The project seeks to: i) 

provide empirically founded knowledge on key processes of social 

exclusion; ii) include researchers and field-assistants from socially 

excluded groups in training and capacity building; iii) focus on 

dissemination and critical discourse related to the outcome of the 

research project - through seminars and workshops and iv) involve 

civil society organisations as associated partners, in networking 

and advocacy. The overall objectives of the research are: to examine 

social exclusion in Nepal from the perspective of excluded 

households and groups, and to explore how exclusion as a 

phenomenon experienced at the household level is linked to social, 

political and military mobilisation. The idea is to capture the dynamic 

processes of linking social exclusion to social mobilisation, set 

within broader societal change processes of economic development, 

democratisation, conflict and globalisation. We are interested on 

the linkage between different forms of exclusion and the process 

to challenge and overcome linkage. CNAS and S2 have carried out 

two household surveys, with over 5500 respondents in total, in 

addition to in-depth interviews and FGDs. NEPAN has collected 

data from 12 communities via Participatory Rural Appraisal 

methodologies. At present, the project team is working on analysis 

and write up of the findings. 

Key Words: Social Exclusion and Group Mobilisation. 

Note: This project has not completed yet and it will complete on 

September 2009. 

2 Publications are available on www.nibr.no 



Preface 

After nearly two and half centuries of social exclusion and 10 years 

of conflict in the country, Nepal has an opportunity to redress the 

past problems that have been created purposely or consciously 

due to social exclusionary practices. Centuries of exclusion have 

created an enormous gap in the understanding of the lives, 

philosophies, and attributes of different groups of people. Many 

myths of fragmentation and division had been milled about being 

inclusive and restructuring the state into a federation based on 

ethnicity and language. Through years of subjugation and 

marginalisation of different ethnic and caste communities, the 

knowledge base on them have been depleted as to: i) Who they 

are?; ii) Where they live?; iii) How they live?; iv) What are their 

social, economic, cultural and political status?; v) How the 

knowledge and skills of these groups can turn into resources in 

the creation of a new Nations’ state?; vi) Where are the gaps and 

shortcoming in policies devised in absence of proper understanding 

of the people they were aimed?; vii) What new suitable policies 

would be needed to help the excluded people to live decent lives?; 

and viii) How and when will policies be formulated and implemented 

that ensure the feeling of nationhood and equal citizen in individuals 

and groups irrespective of caste, race, religion, ethnicity, gender? 

In order to address these issues, Social Inclusion and Nation 

Building Programme was established. The programme focuses on 

structural inequalities and their implications for building a more 

inclusive nation state that also embrace all excluded groups. The 

programme also focuses on advocacy of civil society organisations 

that articulate the interests of excluded groups and are allowed to 

influence the research agenda. 

The Government of Nepal and Royal Norwegian Embassy in 

Kathmandu agreed to establish The Social Inclusion Research Fund 

(SIRF) managed by SNV Nepal in 2005 with 3 objectives: 

Produce high quality and critical research on causes of social 

exclusion in Nepal and ways to accommodate and manage 

diversity 

Make social science research more relevant to excluded and 

disadvantaged groups and their agendas 

Social Social Inclusion Inclusion Research Research Fund Fund 231 i

Ensure that research more effectively contributes to policy 


SIRF was fortunate to have Dr. Harka Gurung (late), an eminent 

scholar and seasoned social scientist, as a chairperson of Interim 

Screening Committee (ISC). His profound leadership and his effort 

had made the Fund a success. Dr. Gurung’s perspective on the 

social inclusion issues and his broad gamut of wisdom and 

deliberations provided a novel dimension to the entire approach 

and thought on research and nation building process. His 

contribution to social sciences is eternal and unmatched. He will 

always live with SIRF. 

SIRF is also fortunate to have support from Royal Norwegian Embassy, 

Kathmandu. Ms. Ingrid Ofstad, former Norwegian Ambassador to 

Nepal, had made a tireless effort to initiate SIRF with a strong support 

and commitment from Dr. Shanker Sharma, former Vice Chairperson 

of National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal and Mr. Jan 

de Witte, former Director of SNV Nepal. Further, the Interim Screening 

Committee members have made substantial contribution to 

legitimatise the SIRF and its success. 

On behalf of SIRF, I would like to thank all the individuals and 

institutions who have supported us and contributed in making SIRF 

a success. I would like to give special gratitude to – Late Mathias 

Moyersoen, former Director of SNV- Nepal for his commitment and 

guidance in setting up SIRF. I would like to thank Dr. Keshab Man 

Shakya, former SIRF Coordinator for his contribution to the SIRF 

Secretariat. Further, I would like to thank all the SNV Nepal 

members who have supported SIRF. 

Finally, I appreciate the tireless effort of SIRF secretariat’s staffs 

in brining out this book. Particularly, Swasti Pradhan has provided 

an administrative support while preparing this book; Sita Rana has 

tirelessly compiled the abstracts of the researches; and Rojan 

Bajracharya has edited the book. 




232 ii Social Inclusion Research Fund

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND 

NATION BUILDING IN NEPAL 

Abstract of Researches Supported by 


Social Inclusion Research Fund 

February, 2009 


Published By: 


Bakhundole, Lalitpur 

P.O.Box 1966, Kathmandu, Nepal 

Telephone: +977-[0]1-5523444 

Telefax: +977-[0]1-5523155 

Email: info@socialinclusion.org.np 

Website: www.socialinclusion.org.np 

Edited By: Rojan Bajracharya 

Compiled By: Sita Rana 

First Published: February, 2009 

ISBN No: 978-9937-2-1208-3 

Design By: 

Yeti Enterprises 

Telephone: 4358599, 9851084393 

Email: yetienter@wlink.com.np 

Printed By: 

Hisi Offset Press 

Telephone: 4226416 

On Citation: Please do not cite the abstracts. For the complete 

report please contact at info@socialinclusion.org.np. 


Table of Contents 

Content Page No. 

Preface i 

Social Inclusion Research Fund – An Introduction 

By Mohan Das Manandhar 1 

Section 1 Women 



By Dr. Govind Prasad Thapa 19 


By Jyotsna Tamang 20 


Causes and Consequences of Domestic Violence against 

Women: A Comparative Study of Selected Areas 

By Lumanti Shrestha 23 

Violence against Women: Root Causes and Consequences 

By Pramila Thapa 24 

Socio- Economic Factors Affecting Health 

Status of Musahar Women 

By Ram Narayan Mahto 25 



By Sarojini Sharma (Joshi) 26 


By Janu Kumari Sharma 27 

Plight of Widows: A Study of Dhading and Rupendehi District of Nepal 

By Sajana Maharjan 28 

Women's Perception on Discrimination in Employment: 

A Case Study of Tamghas VDC of Gulmi district 

By Bishnu Maya K.C. 29 

Causes and Consequence of Girls Trafficking in the 

Selected Rescue Centres of Nepal 

By Hari Kala Kandel 30 


By Samidha Pokharel 31 


Dalits Women in Poverty: Consequences of Caste Discrimination 

(A Case Study of Putali Bazaar Municipality of Syangja District) 

By Sanjhiwani Gharti 32 

Gender Dimensions of Nepalese Crop and Vegetable 

Production System: Evidence of Change across Ethnicity and 

Generation in Chitwan 

By Durga Devkota 33 

Women's Perception on Gender Discrimination in Education 

By Lila Adhikari 34 

yf? dlxnfx¿sf] ;fdflhs cfly{s cj:yfÞ Þ M bfË lhNnf, pxf{l/ ufÞ Þ=ljÞ Þ Þ=;Þ Þ Þ= Þ sf] cWoog 

By Sayni Chaudhary (Tharu) 35 


Makwanpur Gadhi and Nibuwatar VDCs of Makwanpur District 

By Amuna Chamling 36 


Caste and Ethnic Groups of Nepal: A Case Study of 

Biratnagar Sub-Metropolitan City 

By Durga Kumari Tiwari 37 

Status of Slum Dwelling Women: A Case Study of Pokhara Valley 

By Lina Gurung 38 

yf? ;d'bfosf dlxnfx¿df x'g] 3/]n' lx+;fÞM ;nf{xL lhNnf, 

hAbL uf=la=;= sf] cWoog 

By Jamuna Gotame 39 

Violence against Dalit Women: A Case Study of Lalitpur District 

By Anita Bishankha (Sarki) 40 

Energizing Social Mobilization of Women through 

Aama Samuha (Mothers’ Group): A Case of Morang District 

By Purna Kumari Lingden 41 


By Syaron Basnet 42 


A Case Study of Danda Bazaar VDC of Dhankuta District 

By Shabnam Samal (Magar) 43 

An Analytical Study on Women’s Self Perception on 

Discrimination in Household Decision Making in Dhanusha District 

By Lilawati Yadav 44 

Situation of Female Poverty in Magar Community: A Comparative 

Study of Mamling VDC and Wana VDC of Sankhuwasabha District 

By Dil Prasad Magar 45 


Violence against Women in Marginalized Madheshi 

Community- Root Causes, Consequence and Prevention: 

A Case study of Saptari District in Eastern Terai Region of Nepal 

By Kabita Kumari Mandal 46 

;'s'Daf;L j:tLdf dlxnf lj?4 x'g] 3/]n' lx+;fsf] cj:yfM ;'g;/L lhNnf, 

w/fg gu/kflnsfsf] cWoog 

By Sita Bhattarai 47 

Gender Discrimination in Dalit Community: A Case Study of 

Sarki Community in Katunje VDC of Bhaktapur District 

By Usha Kiran Meghi (Gurung) 48 


By Bhima Subba Limbu 49 

3/]n' lx+;f M O{nfd lhNnf, rd}tf uf=la=;= sf /fO{ dlxnfx¿sf] cWoog 

By Rita Devi Rai 50 

kf]8] dlxnfsf] ;fdflhs / cfly{s cj:yf M sf7df8f}+ lhNnf, 


By Sarita Gautam 51 


By Sarala Sigdel 52 

A Study on Gender Discrimination, Nature and Practice in Rai and 

Brahmin Community: A Case Study of Urlabari VDC of Morang District 

By Rita Rai 53 



By Nitu Chaudhary 54 

Post Conflict Situation Analysis of Tharu Widows of 

Beluwa and Bargadi in Dang District 

By Shila Adhikari 55 

Section 2: Dalits 


A Study of Dalits' Inclusion in Nepali State Governance 

By Yam Bahadur Kisan 59 

Inclusion of Dalits in Micro-finance Cooperatives in Nepal 

By Man Bahadur Bishwakarma 60 

Intricacies of Inter-Caste Marriage between Dalits and 

Non-Dalits in Nepal Couples' Perspectives 

By Keshari Kansakar and Sita Ghimire 61 


Continuity and Change in Traditional Skills and Technologies 

among Hill Dalits of Nepal: A Study Based on Kami, 

Damai and Sarki of Kaski District 

By Biswo Kallyan Parajuli 62 



Kiran Bhandari and Gita Sob 63 




By Amar Bahadur BK 67 

Understanding Dalits of Nepal from Different Lenses: 

A Socio-Cultural Study 

By Anju Khadka 68 

Essence and Challenges of Special Policy Provisions for 

Dalit Inclusion: An Institutional Analysis of Various Organizations 

By Bharat Nepali 69 



By Rajendra Prasad Sah 70 

Hali System among Dalits: A Study of Hansapur Village 

Development Committee of Kaski District 

By Bharat Gotame Sharki 71 


By Deependra Singh Sunar 72 


By Kashi Ram Gaire 73 

Comparative Study on Access to and Success in Primary 

Education of Mushahar Children of Sunsari District 

By Kumari Ambika Shah 74 

Potentiality of Dalits’ Caste Based Occupation in Chitwan and 

Nawalparasi Districts 

By Purna Bahadur Nepali 75 

Adaptation of Dalit Skills and Technology: A Case Study of 

Chitwan and Tanahu Districts of Nepal 

By Rup Kumar BK 76 


By Basant Kumar Viswakarma 77 

blntsf] hfltut k]zfn] pgLx¿sf] ;dflhs, cfly{s l:ylt tyf cfTd;Ddfgdf kf/]sf] k|efj 

By Tilak Bishwakarma 78 


6L cf/ ljZjsdf{sf] JolQmTj / pgsf] bnLt cfGbf]ngdf of]ubfg 

By Dil Bahadur Bishwakarma 79 



By Yam Bahadur Charmakar 80 


A Special Policy and Challenges for Dalit Inclusion in Jumla District 

By Ram Sundar Nepali (Pariyar) 81 

Ethnographic Study of Musahar Community with 

Emphasis on Female Group: A Case Study of Saptary District 

By Anamika Karna 82 

Landlessness and Its Impact in the Life of Musahar: A Study 

of Madheshi Dalit People of Pothiyahi VDC in Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Jitendra Kumar Chaudhary (Kalal) 83 

Regenerating Musicians: Motivation for Identity Reconstruction 

among the Gandharbas of Gotheri Gaon of Western Nepal 

By Bikram Sherchan 84 


A case study of Siraha District of Nepal 

By Mahendra Prasad Sah 85 

Socio-Cultural Subjectivities of Landlessness: An Ethnographic 

Study of Sarki People in Naubise VDC of Dhading District 

By Jailab Kumar Rai 86 

Role of Bote and Musahar Communities in Community 

Conservation Management in Nawalparashi District: 

A Study from Gender Perspective 

By Amrita Poudyal 87 


By Raj Kumar Gandharba 88 



By Shyam Sundar Sah 89 

Causes and Process of Landlessness in Musahar Community: 


By Rabindra Das Patel 90 

A Study on Reservation/Affirmative Action of Dalit in Humla District 

By Megh Bahadur Pariyar 91 

Effects of Intra-Dalit Untouchability on Social Harmony: 

A Case Study of Arghakhanchi District 

By Subhash Nepali 92 


Problems and Perspective of Panchai Baja Players: 

A Case Study of Damai Community of Kaski District 

By Perm Bahadur Nepali 93 


By Bal Maya Bishwakarma 94 

l;dfGts[t xnvf]/;d'bfosf] hflto cWoogM ;Ktl/ lhNnfsf] 

/fhlj/fh gu/kflnsfsf xnvf]/ ;d'bfodf ul/Psf] cWoog 

By Seema Vishwakarma 95 

A Study of Untouchability in Relation to Social Maladies: 

A Case Study of Lahan Municipality of Siraha District 

By Sabur Lal Ram 96 

Quest for New Identity- Dreams and Realities: 

A Case of Caste and Religion Change among Dalits 

By Dhan Bahadur Sunar 97 


By Hem Bahadur Lamsal 98 

Domestic Violence against Dalit Women in Mahottari District 

By Reena Ghimire (BK) 99 


By Sita Kumari Bishwakarma 100 

;+qmd0fdf k/Dk/fut k]zf / k"jL{ O{nfdsf bdfO{ / sfdLsf] kl/jlt{t 

k]zfdf k':tfut ;+nUgtf ;DaGwL Ps cWoog 

By Ramesh Kumar Rai 101 

Social Exclusion of Musahar: Interplay of Caste, Class and 

Power in Chandra Ayodhyapurur VDC 

By Kasindra Yadav 102 

Ethnographic Study of Chamar (Madeshi Dalits) Community 

of Saptari District 

By Nathuni Mochi 103 

Socio - Economic and Political Status of Pattharkatta: 

A Case Study of Kapilvastu District 

By Nirak Bahadur Sunar 104 

Livelihood Situation of Haliyas and Landless Peoples of Dalit Community 

By Khadga Bahadur Ramtel ‘Mandip’ 105 

A study on Inter- Caste Discrimination among Dalits 

By Tek Bahadur Sunar 106 


Section 3. Janajati 


Social Inclusion/Exclusion in relation to Tharu Indigenous 

Knowledge and Practices 

By Gopal Dahit 109 

Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, Skill and Practices 

of Kirat Nationalities with Special Focus on Biological Resources 

By Kamal Maden, Ramjee Kongren and Tanka Maya Limbu 110 


By Krishna Hachhethu 111 


By Uddhav Prasad Rai 112 


Socio- Economic Study of Dhimals of Morang District 

By Arjun Tamang 115 

Indigenous Knowledge and Practice on Biodiversity 

Conservation among the Bankariya Indigenous Peoples 

By Chandra Bahadur Shrees Magar 116 

Poverty in Tharu Community: A Case Study of Rautahat District of Nepal 

By Nand Kishor Kumar 117 

Documentation of Plant Diversity and Indigenous Knowledge: A Key 

for Sustainable Development of Tharu Community in Eastern Nepal 

By Pramila Kumari Gachhadar 118 


By Rajendra Limbu 119 

Indigenous Knowledge System as A Resource for Sustaining 

Raji Work and Life: A Case Study of Surkhet District 

By Sumi Maskey 120 

Implication of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable 

Development of Lesser Mountain 

By Anand Lohorung Rai 121 



By Bijaya Subba 122 

Issues of Representation of Indigenous Nationalities in 

Local Governance: Practice and Obstacles 

By Durga Bahadur Ghartee Magar 123 


Role of Political Leaders from Indigenous Communities in 

the Development of Their Communities 

By Fatik Bahadur Thapa Magar 124 

Institutions, Inequality and Insurgency: An Analysis of 

Institutions that Determine Indigenous (Janajati) Communities' 

Access to and Control over Natural Resources of Nepal 

By Mohan Babu Gurung 125 

Enrollment and Educational Achievement of Athpahariya 

Primary Level Children in Dhankuta district 

By Mohan Rai 126 

Documentation of Health Related Indigenous Knowledge of 

Darai Communities of Tanahun District 

By Prem Bahadur Darai 127 

Inclusive Representation of Indigenous Nationalities in 

Bureaucracy of Ilam 

By Prem Prasad Limbu 128 

A Study on Poverty in Santhal Community in Jhapa: 

Present Status, Causes and Consequences 

By Harka Raj Rai 129 

Study of the Socially and Politically Excluded Group of Putuwar, 

Rajbahak and Nagarkoti and Potentials of Their Own Development 

in Kathmandu District 

By Sukra Bahadur Putuwar 130 

Social and Cultural Dynamics of Rai Ethnic Groups in 

Land Management 

By Kalawati Rai 131 

Sheep Transhumance in Humla: A Declining Practice 

By Kushal Gurung 132 

The Plight of the Ex-Kamaiyas: A Comparative Study on 

Syani Ambapur Settlement Camp of Tribhuvan Nagar Municipality 

and Manikapur Settlement Camp of Gadhawa VDC 

By Suresh Chaudhary (Tharu) 133 

Indigenous Knowledge on the Utilization of Medicinal Plants 

in the Magar Community: A Case Study of Salija VDC of Parbat 

By Shubhechchha Thapa 134 

Indigenous Knowledge on Health and Herbal Use Practices 

of Bankariyas as Domestic Treatment 

By Dhana Bahadur Moktan (Tamang) 135 

Indigenous Knowledge of Limbu on Ecology, Biodiversity and 

Enthnomedicine 

By Dil Kumar Hangsurung Limbu 136 


Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products in the Livelihood 

of Chepang Community in Chitwan District of Nepal 

By Dinesh Babu Thapa Magar 137 


By Jhakendra Gharti Magar 138 

Textile and Indigenous Knowledge in Highland Nepal: 

A Case Study of Limbu Community from Eastern Nepal 

By Prem Hang Banem 139 


By Bhuwani Prasad Limbu 140 

Child Marriage Practice among Tamang of Ichangu 

Narayan Village Development Committee 

By Mana Kafle 141 



By Manju Rai 142 

A Study of Paradox of Ihi and Single Womanhood with respect 

to Myths and Symbolic Meaning in Newar Women of Panga Des 

By Jeni Thapa Magar 143 


By Arjun Babu Mabuhanga 144 


By Mana Kumari Thada 145 

The Ethnic Group at the Margin of Society: A Case Study 

of Mudiyari (Munda) Community of Morang District 

By Anup Rai 146 

Inclusive Representation of Chepang in Political Parties of Nepal 

By Tilak Bahadur Chepang 147 

Ethnographic Study of Yamphu Community in the Upper 

Arun Valley of Sangkhuwa Shabha District 

By Hom Prasad Yamphu 148 

Section 4 Madheshi 



By Uddhav Sigdel 151 



Citizenship Problems in Terai: A Case Study of Sunsari 

and Morang Districts 

By Maina Dhital 155 

International Labour Migration: A Rural Livelihood Strategy 

of Madheshi Community 

By Umesh Kumar Mandal 156 



By Subhash Jha 157 

Section 5. Language 


Linguistic Diversity in Nepal: Situation and Policy Planning 

By Prof. Dr. Yogendra Prasad Yadava 161 


Mother Tongue Education: Practices and Problems with 

Reference to the Limbu Language 

By Prem Bahadur Phyak 165 

Study of Phonemes in Sherpa Language: A Phonological Study 

By Gelu Sherpa 166 


By Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang 167 

lzIff If]qsf] ;dfj]lzs/0fdf lnDj' dft[efiff lzIffsf] k|efj 

By Ambar Jang Limbu 168 


By Ichchha Purna Rai 169 


By Dr. Lal Rapacha 170 

An Ethno-linguistic Observation of Chhulung Rai- A Highly 

Endangered Language 

By Man Kumari Limbu 171 

A Phonological Study of Uranw (Jhangad) Language for 

Developing its Writing System 

By Ram Kisun Uranw 172 

Dialects of Maithili: A Sociolinguistic study 

By Dev Narayan Yadav 173 


Magic of Limbu Deixis: An Interdisciplinary Study of 

Language and Culture 

By Dilli Bikram Edingo 174 

Linguistic Movement of 2022 B.S.: A Case Study of the 

Newars in Kathmandu Valley 

By Basanta Maharjan 175 

Section 6. Others 



Livelihoods of Excluded Groups: A Study from Chitwan 



Kumar Bahadur Darjee 179 

Inclusion/Exclusion of River-Affected People in Conservation 

and Management of Watershed and Natural Resources 

in Churia Hills 

By Bijay Kumar Singh (Danuwar) 180 

Social Impact of Armed Conflict in Nepal - Cause and Impact 

By Anjana Shakya 181 

Conflict Induced Migration in Nepal: A Social Inclusion Perspective 

By Padma Prasad Khatiwada 182 

Livestock, Livelihoods and Common Property Resource Linkage: 

Gender, Caste and Ethnicity Dynamics in Rural Nepalese Communities 

By Kamala Gurung 183 

Mainstreaming People with Disability in the Development of Nepal 

By Thaneswor Gautam 184 



By Dr Jagannath Adhikari, B.B Nepali and Radha Gurung 185 

Socio-Spatial Dimension of Exclusion and Inclusion: 

A Research of Karnali Region 

By Mahesh Pathak and Tibendra Raj Banskota 186 



By Dal Prasad Pun 187 




Pasang Sherpa and Md. Zahid Parwez 188 


Social Exclusion in Education: A Study on School Dropouts 

in Terai and Hill Districts of Nepal 

By Binay Kumar Kushiyait (Yadav) 189 



By Khar Bhushan Sah 193 


By Manai Mahato 194 


Sustainable Forest Management in Bara District of Nepal 

By Ram Lama 195 


Socio- Economic Aspects of Child Marriage: 

A Case Study of Dhalkewar VDC of Dhanusha District 

By Santosh Kumar Sah 196 


By Chanda Thapa 197 


Due to Armed Conflict: A Study of Western Nepal 

By Tulsi Panthee (Dhakal) 198 

A Study of Problems of Muslim Minority in Kapilbastu 

and Gorkha Districts of Nepal 

By Abdul Salam 199 

A Comparative Study of Inter Caste marriage in 


By Kripa Sharma 200 



By Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar 201 



By Sanjay Kumar Das 202 

Inclusion of Poor Women and Dalits in community 

forestry: Examining, principles and practices 

By Som Bahadur Bohora (Sarki) 203 


By Mina Tamang 204 


Rights of Conflict Displaced Persons: A Case of Kathmandu 

Valley with Special Reference to Post Conflict Nepal 

By Rom Bahadur Thapa Magar 205 

A Study on Status of Senior Citizen of Kathmandu Metropolitan City 

By Ramesh Rana (Magar) 206 

A study on the Causes and Consequences of Child Marriage 

in Dhanushdham VDC of Dhanusha District 

By Nawal Kishor Yadav 207 



By Janga Bir Rana Magar 208 

Adaptive Strategies of Nepali Muslims in Urban Setting: 

A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley 

By Sunil Shakya 209 



By Lisha Shrestha 210 

Section 7. Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project, Undertaken by: 



Social Exclusion, Democratic Inclusion and Insurgency in Nepal 

Abstracts Compiled by Magnus Hatlebakk 213 

Methodology 

By Prof. Gunnar Håland 214 

Methodology 

By Nabin Rawal 215 

Exclusive or Inclusive Justice: A Study of Civil Cases 

in Morang District Court 

By Hugo Stokke 216 


By Suresh Dhakal 217 





Agrarian Change in Maoist Influenced Areas of Nepal 




By Yogendra B. Gurung 221 

Statistical Indicators of Social and Economic Exclusion 

By Arun Kumar Lal Das 222 


By Dr. Ramesh C. Chitrakar 223 

Locating the Middle Ground. 


The UN’s Role in Peace Operations: Nepal as an Exceptional Case 

By Astri Suhrke 225 

Section 8: Norway Nepal Institutional Research 

Cooperation Project, Undertaken By: Norwegian 

Institute for Urban and Regional Research, Centre for 

Nepalese and Asian Studies, Shtrii Shakti and Nepal 

Participatory Action Network 

Social Exclusion and Group Mobilization: An Examination of 

Household and Group Strategies for Overcoming Social- Exclusion 

By Marit Haug 229

English - Support to Participatory Constitution Building in Nepal ...

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