Kathmandu [Nepal], November 11 – Koshi Province has recognised 13 additional languages, besides Nepali, for use in official government business, in a move aimed at protecting the region’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of the provision on Wednesday, marking the birth anniversary of Mahaguru Falgunanda Lingden.
The provincial government said the new arrangement had been introduced through legislation to recognise community identities and reflect Koshi’s multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural character.
The Language Commission had recommended the use of Maithili and Limbu as official working languages in the province under constitutional provisions. However, the provincial government decided to extend legal recognition to 13 additional languages.
The languages named in the announcement include Rai, Tharu, Tamang, Magar, Bantawa, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Nepal Bhasa, Chamling, Sherpa and Santhali.
The way for implementation was cleared after the Province Chief’s Office authenticated the Act on provisions for official working languages on Kartik 11.
The provincial government has announced that it will observe a Language Day every year, with an emphasis on preserving, promoting and developing linguistic diversity.
In a message, Karki described the implementation as a significant achievement, saying it would help respect the identities of different communities and strengthen unity amid diversity.
