According to Krishna Khanal of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan University, Nepal's ethnic and caste groups are so many and so scattered that among the dozen or so states a federal Nepal might include it is only possible to create three with a clear identity.

ECONOMIST: Nepal's ethnic politics

Most importantly, the programme is an avenue for the social emancipation of women, ethnic minorities (Janajatis) and low caste groups (Dalits).

UNESCO: Community Library and Resource Centres

The new plan would set aside an additional 27% of places in educational institutions for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) - lower caste Hindus and other traditionally disadvantaged groups.

BBC: NEWS | South Asia | Court questions India quota offer