Govt. committed to development of indigenous nationalities: PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government was aware and committed to protection, promotion and development of all languages spoken by the indigenous communities of Nepal. Even their literature, culture, sociology and philosophy deserve equal priority.

Addressing the programme organised on the occasion of 29th Indigenous Day here Wednesday, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that this Day would inspire all to strengthen national sovereignty and unity as well as prepare the basis of socialism as envisioned in the constitution.

He further said that the Indigenous Day would help forward the movement of gaining more rights systematically by protecting and strengthening the gained rights. "Laws will be prepared at the initiative of indigenous communities. Indigenous Nationalities Commission will be made powerful with means and resources, and the rights of indigenous nationalities guaranteed by the constitution will be implemented", mentioned PM Dahal.

Presenting the statistics that there are around 10.2 million indigenous nationalities in Nepal, the PM shared that 60 indigenous nationalities communities were enlisted so far and they have their own language and culture.

Prime Minister Dahal reminded that the role of indigenous nationalities is being decisive in overall development of the nation.

The UN had announced 1994-2004 as the International Indigenous Decade.

August 9 is observed as the International Day of the World Indigenous People from 1994.

The PM mentioned, "The determination to build an equitable society based on proportional, inclusive and participatory principles by ensuring the economic equality, prosperity and social justice and ending class, racial, regional, linguistic, religious and gender-based discrimination and all types of untouchability, thereby protecting and promoting unity among diversity and harmony is well reflected in the constitution".

Article 261 of the Constitution has the provision of Indigenous Nationalities Commission. It has been carrying out different activities including recommending and suggesting the government for the formulation of policy related to indigenous nationalities, review, monitoring and evaluation of policy and programmes run by the government and launching an awareness programme for the empowerment of indigenous communities.

Saying Nepal has also been affected by economic crises witnessed across the world, PM Dahal admitted that the government was unable to make an adequate budget despite its willingness.

On the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ashok Rai, leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), among others were present on the occasion.