Socio- economic development and its barriers: A sociological study of Dalits in Palakot VDC, Baglung
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Pathak, Janak Raj
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Department of Sociology
Abstract
It is clear that Nepal is an amalgamation of diversity in terms of natural and cultural features. So many mysterious as well as superstitious values and norms of Nepalese society have presented the country as a complex cultural combination. Traditionally, Nepalese society has inherited deep roots in the Hindu caste system, with hierarchy of different groups of people within the system.
Traditional social systems and beliefs have made some communities of society socially and economically backward. Daltis of Nepal are one of the communities within Hindu caste system whose social, economic health status and participation in social and political activities are lower compared to other communities. They have been suffering from inhuman prejudices, and unbearable discrimination throughout the country. Various practices have been carried out in order to uplift living standard of such communities in different time periods but the Dalits have yet been surviving in miserable conditions. Progress and prosperity of the countryside is being disturbed by such conditions. In this context, this study is an attempt to identity barriers in the socioeconomic development of the Dalit community concentrated only in the Palakot area of Baglung district.
The overall socioeconomic condition of the people in this area is approximately similar to the rest of the Nepalese countryside. Sarki, Damai and Kami are the Dalit castes in this area. Population of the Dalits covers 19.08 percent (842) of the total population in this area who live in 143 households. About 48 percent (70) of total households have been taken as respondents using the stratified sampling method.
In spite of so many promotional practices, there is no remarkable alternation, progress and prosperity in the overall socioeconomic condition of the Dalits in this area. Unfavorable customs and superstitious thinking in the society, on one side, economic backwardness, on the other, have compelled them to survive miserably. Inherent traditional occupations of the Dalits have been going towards vulnerable condition due to lack of competitive capacity and advancement. Likewise, inadequate promotional practices and lack of continuity of appropriate programmes are also the major factors behind the backwardness of these communities.
Social and economic developments are closely related, i.e., they are interdependent variables. Thus, equal emphasis should be given on social and economic factors for the overall development of Dalit communities.