Adivasi Janajati Aayog

The Indigenous Nationalities Commission (INC - Adivasi Janajati Aayog - आदिवासी जनजाति आयोग), established by the Constitution of Nepal in 2015, serves as a crucial constitutional entity dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of Indigenous communities. This body, operational since November 13, 2018, underscores Nepal's commitment to recognizing and valuing the unique cultural heritage and rights of its Indigenous nationalities.

Formation and Legal Framework

• The INC is structured with a chairperson and up to four members, all appointed by the President of Nepal based on recommendations from the Constitutional Council.
• Governed by the Indigenous Nationalities Commission Act, 2074, the commission's roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines are well-defined, ensuring a structured approach to addressing the needs of Indigenous communities.

Mandate and Objectives

• Research and Protection: The INC's primary function involves conducting comprehensive studies and research to protect the rights and welfare of Indigenous nationalities.
• Policy Recommendations: It plays a pivotal role in advising on policy, legal, and institutional reforms, aimed at the empowerment and development of Indigenous communities.
• Cultural Preservation: The commission is tasked with safeguarding languages, traditions, and cultural practices, ensuring the continuation of Indigenous heritage.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Through awareness programs, the INC seeks to eliminate social stigmas and exploitation, promoting a more inclusive society.
• Economic Empowerment: It focuses on developing and implementing programs to uplift economically or socially disadvantaged groups within Indigenous communities.

Operational Base

• The Secretariat of the Commission is located in Lalitpur, Pulchowk, acting as the central hub for all its activities and initiatives aimed at promoting Indigenous rights and interests.

Significance and Impact

The Indigenous Nationalities Commission symbolizes a progressive step towards inclusive governance and cultural preservation in Nepal. By advocating for the rights, traditions, and welfare of Indigenous communities, the INC not only honors Nepal's rich diversity but also plays a critical role in the nation's social and cultural development. Its efforts in policy formulation, advocacy, and empowerment are key to ensuring that Indigenous nationalities in Nepal are recognized, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

List of Indigenous Nationalities

Bankariya	Kumal	Kusunda
Gangai	Gurung	Chepang
Chhantyal	Chhairotan	Jirel
Jhangad	Dolpa	Tangbe
Tajpuriya	Tamang	Tin Gaule Thakali
Topkegola	Thakali	Thami
Tharu	Thudam	Danuwar
Darai	Dura	Dhanuk (Rajbanshi)
Dhimal	Newar	Pahari
Phree	Bankariya	Baramu
Barha Gaule	Bote	Bhujel
Bhote	Magar	Majhi
Marphali Thakali	Mugali	Meche (Wodo)
Yaakkha	Rai	Raute
Ranbanshi (Koch)	Rajhi	Larke
Limbu	Lepcha	Lhopa
Lhomi (Shigsawa)	Walung	Vyasi
Sherpa	Satar (Santhal)	Siyar
Sunwar	Surel	Hayu
Hyolmo	Ranatharu	Kushwadiya

Classification of Indigenous Nationalities

Endangered	Bankariya, Hayu, Kisan, Kusbadiya, Kusunda, Lepcha, Meche, Raji, Raute, Surel	10
Highly Marginalized	Bote, Baramu, Chepang, Danuwar, Dhanuk, Jhagar, Majhi, Santhal, Shiyar, Shingsawa, Thami, Thudam	12
Marginalized	Bhote, Bhujel, Darai, Dhimal, Dolpo, Dura, Gangai, Kumal, Larke, Lhopa, Mugal, Pahari, Phree, Rajbansi, Sunuwar, Tajpuriya, Tamang, Tharu, Topkegola, Walung, Rana Tharu	21
Disadvantaged	Baragaule Thakali, Byansi, Chhantyal, Chhairotan, Gurung, Jirel, Limbu, Magar, Marphali Thakali, Rai, Sherpa, Tangbe, Tingaule Thakali, Yakkha, Yolmo	15
Advanced	Thakali, Newar