Netuwa Community
Netuwa community is a historically marginalized group in Nepal. According to the latest national census (2078), the Netuwa population is 2,896, with approximately 1,000 residing in Rupandehi and Kapilbastu districts of Lumbini Province.
Traditionally, the Netuwa community has engaged in serpentine, circus showmanship, street magic, playing instruments, and street dancing as their ancestral profession. Although recognized as Dalit by the National Dalit Commission, the Netuwa community is not listed as an endangered tribe under Nepal's Social Security Act, 2075. This exclusion deprives them of crucial government allowances and facilities available to other protected groups who have largely higher demography than Netuwa community.
Historical references to the Netuwa can be found in ancient religious texts like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti, highlighting their long-standing presence. In Lumbini Province, 90% of Netuwa individuals do not own land and live on unregistered arable lands or in asylums on lands owned by others, often facing violence, mistreatment, and discrimination.
The Constitution of Nepal, Article 40, includes provisions for Dalit rights, including land allocation for landless Dalits and housing for homeless Dalits. The Netuwa community is currently advocating to be listed as an endangered community and recognized as a minority, given their small population and underdevelopment.
Traditionally, the Netuwa community has engaged in serpentine, circus showmanship, street magic, playing instruments, and street dancing as their ancestral profession. Although recognized as Dalit by the National Dalit Commission, the Netuwa community is not listed as an endangered tribe under Nepal's Social Security Act, 2075. This exclusion deprives them of crucial government allowances and facilities available to other protected groups who have largely higher demography than Netuwa community.
Historical references to the Netuwa can be found in ancient religious texts like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti, highlighting their long-standing presence. In Lumbini Province, 90% of Netuwa individuals do not own land and live on unregistered arable lands or in asylums on lands owned by others, often facing violence, mistreatment, and discrimination.
The Constitution of Nepal, Article 40, includes provisions for Dalit rights, including land allocation for landless Dalits and housing for homeless Dalits. The Netuwa community is currently advocating to be listed as an endangered community and recognized as a minority, given their small population and underdevelopment.