Koshi Province to adopt 14 languages, including Nepali, for official work as bill passes unanimously

The Koshi Provincial Assembly has unanimously passed the "Bill to Make Arrangements Regarding the Language of Official Work in Koshi Province." The bill makes 14 languages, including Nepali, official languages for government work within the province.

Under the bill, besides Nepali, 13 other languages, including Maithili and Limbu, will gain recognition based on the predominance of place and community. Once published in the provincial gazette, Limbu and Maithili, along with 11 other mother tongues, will receive legal recognition as official languages for government work.

According to Ratopati, the bill was amended before passage following pressure from Yayokkha. According to Onlinekhabar, the meeting was halted after protests and the bill was passed by agreement without allowing lawmakers to read it.

Meanwhile, Province Chief Parshuram Khapung has concluded the ninth session of the Koshi Provincial Assembly on the recommendation of the provincial Council of Ministers.