KATHMANDU: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said broadcasting news in mother languages will help put the spirit of federalism into practice.
Speaking at a program organized by Nepal Television Karnali Province Bureau and Radio Nepal Karnali Broadcasting Station in Surkhet, where news in the Khas language was officially launched, Minister Gurung called the initiative a historic step in preserving cultural identity and enhancing communication access in the region.
“The broadcast of news in Khasbhasa reflects Karnali’s originality,” Gurung said, highlighting how communication in native languages builds a stronger relationship between citizens and the state while promoting national unity.
He noted that government media, including Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Gorakhapatra, and RSS, are actively working to promote local languages and cultures. “These outlets play a vital role in promoting good governance and national prosperity,” he added.
Minister Gurung also announced that the government plans to diversify Nepal Television’s content into multiple languages, including English, and pledged support for Karnali Province’s digital initiatives.
Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel also addressed the event, saying that the identity of Karnali as a ‘remote region’ must evolve to reflect its development potential. “Media has a significant role in reshaping this narrative,” he said.
Radio Nepal will now broadcast news in Khas language daily from 5:05 PM to 5:15 PM. With this, the total number of languages used in Radio Nepal broadcasts has reached 26.
Public Service Broadcasting Nepal Chair Dr. Mahendra Bista said the new Khas-language program aims to protect and promote the language while strengthening local identity.
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