A focused household survey of the Mestar Community, classified as both Dalit and marginalized, is currently underway in multiple districts across Nepal, including Morang, Saptari, and Siraha. This survey, under the supervision of Nepal Raut Mehatar Utthan Samaj and technical support of Dalit Sarokar Manch Nepal, aims to gather vital information about the Mestar population, providing an in-depth look at their socioeconomic conditions, access to essential services, and the unique challenges they face within Nepali society.

The Mestar Community, historically marginalized and underrepresented, experiences high rates of economic hardship, limited access to quality education, and frequent caste-based discrimination. Yet, due to a lack of detailed data, their specific needs and concerns have often gone unaddressed in local and national policies. This household survey seeks to bridge that gap by directly engaging with Mestar households, collecting data on family income, employment, healthcare access, educational attainment, and social issues.

By interviewing community members across various demographics, the survey will not only capture a broad spectrum of experiences within the Mestar Community but will also highlight patterns that could guide targeted interventions. Early findings suggest significant challenges related to economic opportunities, educational resources, and healthcare access, with social stigma continuing to affect the community’s overall well-being.

The insights from this survey are expected to be instrumental for policymakers, NGOs, and local governments in crafting initiatives tailored to address the Mestar Community's specific needs. Once completed, the survey will produce a comprehensive report that could pave the way for a more inclusive approach to addressing caste-based inequalities and empowering Nepal’s marginalized groups.