Dalit Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Caste-Based Discrimination in Nepalese Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the practice of caste-based discrimination in the education by analyzing the perception and experiences of the Dalit students within schools and society. This analysis is based on the data obtained from literature and documents, questionnaire with focus group discussion, conversation and observation conducted on purposively selected schools in Kailali and Achham Districts of Far Western region, Nepal. Dalit students are the main informants of this study. In this regard, total 235 students were selected through a probability sampling method. The practice of caste-based discrimination still exists in society and schools as well. However, it is constitutionally illegal and its effect was seen in school. And yet Dalit students have felt some kind of discrimination in the education system. Due to this discrimination, Dalit students have faced psychological effects with their school participation and performance. Dalit students also think that schools cannot fulfill their expectations due to school actions as reproducing social norms and norms. The issue of education that excludes Dalits is still challenged. Most importantly, changing root of social practices and structural problems is not a task to be completed by anyone's single effort. However, this article suggests that a restructuring of the education system is needed. Similarly, a sustained effort to transform the attitudes of discrimination into the values of humanity and to adjust these values into practices is essential.

Equity in higher education of Nepal

“…Due to the impingement caste-based hierarchy and its subsequent oppression, Dalits fail to enhance educational advancement. Hence, Dalit students have a lower enrollment rate, higher repetition rate in school education (Chalaune, 2020).…”