Surkhet: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has emphasized that strengthening province-level media and broadcasting news in mother languages will play a crucial role in translating the spirit of federalism into practice. He made these remarks during the inauguration event organized by Nepal Television Karnali Province Bureau and the broadcasting of news in the Khasbhasa language by Radio Nepal, Karnali Province Broadcasting Station in Surkhet.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Gurung highlighted that broadcasting news in the Khas language reflects the originality of Karnali. He stated, “We are in a democratic system. The government is serious about ensuring the people’s access to information. Building the institutional structure of mass communication media in the province is part of that. Communication in the mother tongue means a stronger relationship between citizens and the state, and it further strengthens national unity.”
Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing collaboration with the provincial government for Karnali’s development. He noted that government media are actively working to preserve and promote languages and culture to strengthen national unity, with Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Gorakhapatra, and the National News Agency (RSS) focusing on reaching the populace.
The Minister emphasized the important role these media play in promoting the prosperity and good governance of the country. He expressed his commitment to enhancing Nepal’s public service broadcasting to ensure the public receives necessary information. He also shared the government’s plans to diversify languages, including English, in NTV content to globalize its services, pledging cooperation with the Karnali province government to implement initiatives for a ‘digital province.’
He described the launch of NTV news in the Khas language as a historic effort to enhance language and cultural identity and improve communication access in the region. He expressed hope that expanding communication access and disseminating news in the local dialect would strengthen democracy and promised to continue pursuing such initiatives.
Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, remarked that development and prosperity are collective concerns, not just those of people’s representatives and employees. He stressed the need to change Karnali’s identity as a ‘remote region’ by leveraging its resource and development potential, noting the significant role media plays in the region’s development and prosperity.
The Khas language news on Radio Nepal will be broadcast from 5:05 pm to 5:15 pm daily, increasing the number of languages for Radio Nepal news to 26. Public Service Broadcasting Nepal’s Chair, Dr. Mahendra Bista, stated that the new initiative aims to protect and promote the Khas language.