The House of Representative in Nepal declared the Himalayan kingdom as a 'discrimination free' country, in an effort to bring the marginalised people to the national mainstream.
The proposal of public importance, tabled by CPN-UML MP Parashuram Meghi Gurung, passed unanimously by the House, is expected to ensure a fair representation of Dalits -- comprising almost 20 per cent of the population.
"The practice of untouchability will now onwards be considered as a social crime and the government will enact laws in such a way that the inhuman and discriminatory practices are more punishable," a newspaper quoted Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Bikram Nembang as saying.
A new Bill will soon be introduced in this regard, he added.