Caste-based Participation in Politics: A contemporary Debate of Social Change in Karnali Province.
This article investigates political participation in contemporary politics of Karnali Province. The Social change and marginal community in Nepal is interesting phenomena for the inclusive development of the nation, marginalized groups should be empowered. In-depth research is required to understand the complex process of social change and the driving factors for the change within the marginal community. Despite caste and gender based discrimination being the major issue of Nepal, there is limited research on the challenges they face, and the strategies and mechanisms used to overcome and transform their social status. The study aimed to analyze the process of social change and explore the major causes behind it. A phenomenological research design was employed to meet the objectives of the study. For the secondary data election report was applied as a research tool. Seven representative permanent residents of Karnali, from the different community, having different castes and Gender work experiences, and occupations, were selected for observation. Inclusion of Dalits is an agenda of the nation and a wider societal issue rather than an issue limited to Dalits. National Election commission report 2079, multiple reports, journal articles, newspapers, books, and websites were reviewed for the secondary data. All the collected data were analyzed thematically and descriptively according to the objectives. The study found that Chhetri, Brahman, Dalits and 66 castes in the study area have historically faced caste-based discrimination and internal hierarchies, but positive changes like improved public treatment, access to education and healthcare, and reservation policies are helping to promote their social inclusion and participation. Also, it highlighted that various factors such as education, technology, occupations, support from the government, and institutions like schools and hospitals have played key roles in bringing positive social change. To achieve lasting social change, cooperation among the government and local organizations is important, as their combined efforts through inclusive policies in education, healthcare, and equality help to remove social barriers and build a more inclusive society.
Keywords: social change, Dalit, community, caste-based discrimination, inclusive society
