The fourth session of the Madhesh Manthan titled ‘Has society changed or is it the same?’, saw the discourse on the transformation of society and how inclusivity plays a vital role in heralding positive changes.

The speakers for this session were Bharat Prasad Sah, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Information Technology of Madhesh Province, Sundar Bahadur Bishwakarma, Member of the Provincial Assembly, Sushma Dwivedi, Social Engineer and Politician, and Tula Narayan Sah, Writer and Analyst.

Bishwakarma, member of the Provincial Assembly said that to transform into a healthy society, one must not only focus on tangible development markers but must also aspire to achieve social and humanitarian results of positive transformation.

“Women and Dalits are among the most vulnerable and oppressed in Madhesh. In the province, 51 percent are women and 18 percent are Dalits. But the province and the authorities did not understand the importance of including such a large chunk of the population in the mainstream. There will be no social transformation if they are not brought into the fold,” he said. “My understanding is that there will be no transformation until the weak and disenfranchised get their rights.”

Member of the Provincial Assembly, Sushma Dwivedi said the province has little to show for the billions of investment for development.

“The status of women from Madhesh has remained the same. A handful of women representatives in government does not indicate inclusive development,” she said.

Dwivedi further spoke on the poor state of education and health sectors in the province. “The quality of education depends on the quality of educators. To guarantee good education, we must ensure good teachers in government schools,” she said. “Despite millions poured into education, the quality of education remains poor.”

Tula Narayan Sah, Writer and Analyst commented on the slow-paced social transformation of the province.

“Dhanusa district was once a teacher-producing district. From then to now, the literacy rate has decreased across Madhesh Province,” he said.

Bharat Prasad Sah, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Information Technology of Madhesh Province said a change in political thinking will herald more proportional inclusion.

The programme is organised by Kantipur Media Group, in collaboration with the Madhesh Province government, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Information and Communications and the Province Assembly Secretariat, in Janakpur today.

The programme has five different sessions on varied topics ranging from governance to social transformation of the Madhesh Province.