NNDSWO was established in 1982 when it was not allowed to even pronounce the term ‘Dalit’ and claim rights, by Dalit rights activists with a passion to end ‘caste-based discrimination’ and ‘untouchability practices’ from the society. It is a non-profit making, non-partisan, secular and independent social development organization with nation-wide outreach from the grassroots to the national level.
Though NNDSWO was officially registered with District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu in 1982 and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC), it has been working under different names since 1951 when the Dalit movement against caste based discrimination and untouchability was initiated by Late Bhagat Sarbajit Bishwakarma and Saharshanath Kapali. The registration of NNDSWO was itself a milestone in the history of the Dalit movement in Nepal. After registration, the decades-long organized efforts of Dalits against caste-based discriminations and untouchability got legitimacy. NNDSWO, as the first registered Dalit organization in Nepal, became a voice of Dalit community.
Before 1990, its initiatives were confined to organize Dalits to raise their voice against untouchability. Since 1992, it has been launching different Dalit focused development programs with the support of varied donors and partners in more than 40 districts. Now, it is working to improve the status of Dalits and advocating for their socio-economic, cultural, political and educational rights with project activities in over 30 districts.