Karnali: The Karnali Province government is embarking on a project to establish a corridor dedicated to the Raute community, a traditionally nomadic and endangered group in Nepal. The “Raute Corridor” aims to improve the living conditions and rights of this community, which resides in makeshift huts in the forest areas of hilly districts such as Dailekh, Surkhet, and Salyan.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the corridor will be developed in alignment with the Raute policy of the province. This initiative is based on a study report from the Raute Coordination Committee, recommendations from various constitutional commissions, and a survey of Raute settlements conducted over the past decade.
Province Minister for Social Development, Ghanashyam Bhandari, revealed details of the project while presenting the progress report of his one-year tenure. The corridor approach includes key initiatives such as the publication of a Raute profile, ensuring their access to nutritious food, providing free medical treatment at provincial and government hospitals, promoting education rights for Raute children, and preserving the community’s cultural identity.
Officials report that the Raute population in the province currently numbers 135 and is categorized into three surnames: Kalyal, Sobanshi, and Raskoti. The government aims to address the needs of this community through targeted interventions and resources.