Languages are a national asset, PM says

Kathmandu | 2082 Magh 20

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that the many languages spoken in Nepal are the nation’s invaluable assets and must be protected.

She clarified that the government is fully committed to implementing in practice the constitutional right of citizens to receive education in their mother tongue.

Two Language Commission reports received at Singha Durbar

On Monday, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister expressed these views while receiving two separate study reports prepared by the Language Commission.

On the occasion, she received the Commission’s “Recommendations Report on Mother-Tongue Education” and Nepal’s National Action Plan related to the “International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).”

Immediately after receiving the reports, Prime Minister Karki handed them over to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, who was present at the programme, to promptly move forward with the implementation process.

Government intent to build a strong basis for implementation

Although her government’s term is short, she said the government is determined to prepare a solid foundation for implementing provisions related to mother-tongue education.

The Prime Minister said, “The current government will make every possible effort to implement this provision, so that it will be easier for the next government to move forward on this path.”

“We have 124 languages; none should be allowed to die”

Highlighting the country’s linguistic diversity, she added, “Our country has 124 languages. All of these are our assets. Some of them are at risk of extinction, but no language should be allowed to die. Every language is equally important.”

Language Commission says focus is on endangered languages

On the same occasion, Language Commission Chair Dr. Gopal Thakur informed that the reports and the action plan were prepared with a particular focus on protecting endangered languages.

Stating that education in the mother tongue is a natural right of citizens, he urged the government to ensure effective implementation of the report.

PM Karki Calls for Police to Evolve as “Problem-Solvers”

Address to police science diploma graduation ceremony

Prime Minister Sushila Karki stressed that the role of Nepal Police should no longer be limited only to following orders, and that it should develop as a “problem-solver.”

Addressing the 183rd “Post Graduate Diploma in Police Science” and the graduation ceremony of the 14th group held on Monday at the National Police Training Academy, Maharajgunj, she instructed police officers to rise above political influence and prejudice.

She said that, internalizing the spirit of the law, all police personnel must carry out their respective responsibilities impartially.

New forms of crime and emerging challenges

Referring to the recent emergence of new dimensions in addition to traditional crimes—such as cyber crime, organized crime, financial crime, multi-purpose crime, and social conflict—the Prime Minister said the police must prove themselves competent as the country’s primary law-enforcement institution.

She said that a capable police officer is one who can identify a path of composure, judgement, and justice even in difficult circumstances. She urged officers to remain steadfast on the path of duty and not be shaken by criticism or threats that may arise from making the right decisions.

Police as the bridge between the state and citizens

Stating that the police organization is a bridge between the state and citizens, Prime Minister Karki said, “As responsible police officers, you have today become the first point of contact between the state and citizens. Citizens will see their government in your behaviour and conduct. Your decisions and conduct will shape people’s perception of the state.”

Congratulations to trainees; election responsibility highlighted

She congratulated all trainees who successfully completed the basic training for police inspectors and were commissioned, expressing best wishes for their professional success, with hard work, discipline, and a sense of dedication.

She also reminded that conducting the forthcoming election in a free, fair, and credible environment is the state’s responsibility, and that the role of Nepal Police in this will be highly sensitive.

Award presented to top trainee

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Karki presented the “Late Kulanand Vidya First Prize” to trainee Police Inspector Nirajan Basnet, who became first in overall excellence in training as well as in physical capacity and morale enhancement.

Home Minister highlights sensitive responsibilities of Nepal Police

At the graduation ceremony, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said that Nepal Police, which bears the serious responsibility of the nation’s internal security, carries sensitive duties such as law enforcement, crime control and investigation, protection of human rights, and disaster management.

He stated that officers commissioned as police inspectors are not merely wearers of the blue uniform, but representatives of the state, guardians of the law, and carriers of public trust.

He said, “The nature of crime is becoming more complex and challenges are increasing. Now, new problems cannot be solved with old thinking and old methods; therefore, along with deep knowledge of the law, there is also a need for judgement, restraint, ethics, and professional decision-making capacity.”

He also stressed that the police role must be even more effective to ensure the forthcoming election is conducted in a fear-free and credible manner.

Inspector General offers congratulations and best wishes

On the occasion, Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki congratulated the police inspectors who completed nearly 19 months of training and were commissioned after overcoming various ups and downs, difficulties, and challenges during the process of developing knowledge, skills, and capacity, and extended best wishes for a successful tenure.