Government publishes 1,401 Dalit community surnames in gazette

The government has published a detailed list of surnames used by the Dalit community in the Nepal Gazette, along with an official definition of the community. According to Nepal Press, the list includes around 1,400 surnames.

The details, recommended by the National Dalit Commission, were endorsed by the Cabinet meeting. The approved details were issued in the gazette by the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security.

According to the definition, communities that have historically faced untouchability under the varna system are considered Dalit. The definition also refers to economic, political, socio-cultural, educational, employment and other areas of the state.