Koshi, Nov 12: Thirteen languages, in addition to Nepali, are set to receive official status for government business in Koshi Province from Wednesday following the implementation of the provincial government’s Official Language Act.
Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the decision during celebrations marking the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden.
Under constitutional provisions, the Language Commission had recommended Maithili and Limbu as additional official languages for government business in Koshi. However, the provincial government extended legal recognition to 13 more languages to reflect the region’s multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural character.
The additional languages include Rai, Tharu, Tamang, Magar, Bantawa, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Nepal Bhasa, Chamling, Sherpa and Santhali, among others.
The Office of the Province Chief authenticated the Act on Official Languages in the Province on October 28. Following its authentication, the provincial government moved ahead with its implementation.
Chief Minister Karki described the implementation of the official language provisions as a significant achievement for the province. He said the move would respect the identities of different linguistic and cultural communities and strengthen unity amid diversity.
He added that the provincial government was making efforts, within its available resources, to preserve and promote the languages, cultures, traditions and scripts practised in the province.
The provincial government has also announced that it will observe a Province Language Day every year. It aims to institutionalise Koshi’s multilingual identity through the preservation, promotion and development of its linguistic diversity.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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