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Child Dies During Pilgrimage to Pathibhara Temple

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News Summary

Editorially reviewed.

  • A two-and-a-half-year-old boy from Panchthar fell ill on the way and died while visiting Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung.
  • District Police Office Chief Ved Prasad Gautam confirmed the child was suffering from pneumonia.
  • The boy had traveled with his guardians and relatives and passed away during the return journey.

March 22, Taplejung – A two-and-a-half-year-old boy visiting the renowned pilgrimage site, Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung, died today.

Ved Prasad Gautam, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Chief of the District Police Office, stated that the boy was Sohan, son of Hari Shrestha from Hillihang Rural Municipality -2 of Panchthar District.

According to Gautam, the child was traveling with his guardians and relatives for the temple visit and became suddenly ill while returning. He was immediately taken to the district hospital, where he died during treatment.

Police reports indicate that the boy suffered from pneumonia.

ट्रम्पको नयाँ बयानपछि विश्व बजारमा कच्चा तेलको मूल्य १३ प्रतिशतले घट्यो

Global Crude Oil Prices Drop 13% Following Trump’s Latest Statement

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March 22, Kathmandu – Following a recent statement by US President Donald Trump, global crude oil prices have fallen by 13 percent. On Monday, Trump announced ongoing talks with Iran and stated that no attacks would be launched against Iran for the next five days.

In a post on ‘TruthSocial’ written in all capital letters, he said, “I am pleased to inform you that over the past two days, the United States and Iran have had very good and productive discussions regarding the full and comprehensive resolution of our adversaries in the Middle East.”

He added, “Based on the intent and tone of these intensive, detailed, and constructive talks—which will continue throughout the week—I have directed the Department of Defense to suspend any and all military strikes against Iranian energy sites and energy infrastructure for a period of five days, contingent on the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention. President Donald J. Trump.”

Following Trump’s statement, the price of Brent crude oil declined by 13 percent, dropping to $96 per barrel.

Similarly, gas prices fell from 159 pence per therm to 139 pence, according to reports from the BBC.

War in West Asia Impacts Nepalese from Households to Warehouses

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News Summary

  • The ongoing war between Israel, the US, and Iran has increased risks to the lives, property, and jobs of nearly 2 million Nepalese in the Middle East.
  • In Nepal, the conflict has caused shortages and price hikes in gas, petrol, and diesel, contributing to overall inflation.
  • There is a growing risk of reduced remittances and weakening foreign currency reserves due to the war.

March 22, Kathmandu – The war ongoing between Israel, the United States, and Iran shows no signs of imminent resolution. Both sides have intensified attacks not only militarily but also targeting non-military sectors, especially fuel extraction and processing facilities.

US President Donald Trump has warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, he would authorize attacks on Iran’s oil infrastructure; over 24 hours have passed since this warning. In response, Iran has threatened attacks on Gulf countries’ oil structures.

Attacks on oil infrastructure from both sides will inevitably deepen the global energy crisis.

Although Nepal is neither involved in the war nor directly targeted, like many other countries worldwide, Nepalese people are deeply affected by this conflict.

Direct and indirect impacts of this war have already become visible in Nepal.

What effects could this conflict have on Nepal? Let us delve into the details.

1. Risks to Lives, Property, and Employment of Nepalese in West Asia

Middle Eastern countries are major employment destinations for Nepalese workers. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 2 million Nepalese reside in these countries. Among them, one Nepalese has died due to the war in the UAE and 16 have been injured. Iranian forces have detained one Nepalese individual, and others have been arrested by various countries on charges of spreading misinformation.

So far, 81,000 Nepalese have applied for repatriation. Should the war prolong, the government may face the challenge of rescuing and returning hundreds of thousands of workers, which will temporarily halt foreign employment since nearly half of Nepalese migrant workers are employed in Gulf countries.

Managing the reintegration of returning workers will be a major governmental challenge; however, demand for labor might rise again during the post-war reconstruction period.

2. Difficulties in Evacuating Those in Distress

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), out of approximately 35 million migrant workers worldwide, many serve in the Middle East. Developed countries have already repatriated their citizens, with India bringing back nearly 250,000 nationals.

The Nepalese government is preparing to bring back those wishing to return via various channels. Currently, about 1,000 Nepalese stuck in transit or residing there have been repatriated or dispatched to their destinations. Plans include using ships if necessary.

However, evacuating millions at once might go beyond the government’s capacity.

3. Pressure on Remittances

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, about 41% of Nepal’s total remittances come from Middle Eastern countries. The Nepal Remitters Association estimates that around half of all formal and informal remittances originate from these nations.

If the war continues and Nepalese lose jobs, remittances could decline, weakening household income sources. With an average household size of four, around 8 million people could be directly affected. Decreased remittances would also negatively impact Nepal’s foreign currency reserves.

4. Fuel Shortages

The war in West Asia has been ongoing for more than three weeks, but Nepal has experienced a shortage of cooking LPG gas for over two months. Weaknesses within Nepal Oil Corporation and malpractices by traders were major causes of the shortage even before the war, which has now worsened.

The conflict further raises the risk of petrol and diesel shortages. Nepal relies entirely on India for fuel supply, and over 55% of India’s crude oil imports come from West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE.

Although Nepal uses only about 1% of India’s total fuel consumption, any shortage in India could impact Nepal. So far, Nepal Oil Corporation claims there has been no decrease in fuel supply from India.

5. Rising Fuel Prices and Overall Inflation

The war has pushed crude oil prices on international markets from approximately $70 to $113 per barrel, leading to increases in Nepal’s fuel prices. On March 14, Nepal Oil Corporation raised petrol prices by NPR 15 per liter and diesel by NPR 10 per liter.

According to India’s price listing, petrol prices should increase by an additional NPR 31, diesel by NPR 54, and LPG cylinders by NPR 216; however, only minimal hikes were applied, suggesting further price increases in early April.

Fuel prices reached NPR 199 per liter in 2022, and current trends suggest prices may surpass that. Higher fuel costs add to transportation and production expenses, leading to broad inflation.

Analysts predict transportation fares could rise by up to 40% due to fuel price increases. IMF guidelines indicate that a $10 per barrel annual increase in crude oil prices can cause up to 0.4% inflation rise in the price level. With prices currently raised by over $40, inflation will likely accelerate.

Additionally, the US dollar has reached over NPR 150 due to the conflict, adding pressure on import prices.

6. Potential Weakening of Foreign Currency Reserves

Nepal currently holds foreign currency reserves worth approximately $2.276 billion, sufficient for 18 months of imports, regarded as a very stable condition. This robust position is largely supported by remittances, which reached NPR 1.723 trillion in the previous fiscal year.

If remittances from the Middle East halt partially or completely, Nepal’s foreign currency reserves could suffer a significant shortfall. The country aims to maintain reserves sufficient for seven months of imports, so immediate currency shortages are unlikely; still, it highlights the need to strengthen the reserves further.

7. Shortage of Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizer production depends on natural gas. Disruptions in natural gas supply owing to the petroleum conflict have led to a shortage of fertilizers like urea, with prices rising over 50%.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal currently has enough fertilizer stocks to last until mid-July (15 Ashad). A tender for additional supply has just been issued. There is a high possibility of fertilizer shortages and significant price hikes during the rice planting season.

Similarly, the conflict has increased shortages of raw materials for plastic production. Constraints on raw materials used in petroleum refining have caused supply disruptions for plastic products in Nepal.

This situation has severely affected industries producing plastic bottles, jars, and pipes. Some factories have already shut down due to raw material shortages, and if conditions persist, others may collapse.

The closure of pipe factories would impact water infrastructure, while shortages of plastic jars and bottles could worsen. These disruptions threaten jobs for Nepalese workers in these industries and could compromise the supply of treated drinking water.

What’s Next?

Nepal pursues a peaceful and non-aligned foreign policy. It is neither a party to this war nor targeted by it. The conflict is occurring thousands of kilometers away, yet millions of Nepalese working abroad, sending remittances, and relying on oil supplies from these countries are affected.

Given Nepal’s heavy dependence on foreign employment and remittances, the country faces substantial costs from this conflict. This underscores the need for long-term structural reforms in both the economy and foreign policy.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Calls Central Committee Meeting to Select Balen as Parliamentary Party Leader

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News Summary

Editorially Reviewed.

  • The Rastriya Swatantra Party has called a central committee meeting for 4 PM on Chaitra 12.
  • The meeting will include discussions to select the parliamentary party leader and conduct talks related to the prime minister’s oath.
  • Newly elected MPs will be sworn in on the same day, with preparations underway for the prime minister’s oath on Chaitra 13.

March 23, Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has convened a central committee meeting scheduled for 4 PM on Chaitra 12, according to General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti. The meeting will take place at the party’s central office in Bansthali.

The party has announced that the meeting will focus on selecting the parliamentary party leader. Following the central committee’s decision, the parliamentary party of RSP will appoint Balen as the parliamentary party leader. Newly elected MPs will take their oaths on the same day. This central committee meeting was called immediately after the oath-taking ceremony.

Prior to the election, senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) had already been declared the party’s candidate for prime minister. The agreement between RSP and Balen also includes a clause announcing him as the future prime minister.

Becoming the parliamentary party leader is mandatory to be appointed prime minister. The RSP plans to select him as the parliamentary party leader on the same day so that he can be sworn in as prime minister the following day, on Chaitra 13.

Senior leaders of RSP are currently actively engaged in preparations related to the new cabinet and other related activities.

Theia: The Mysterious Planet Struck by Earth, Leading to the Moon’s Formation

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Next time you gaze at a full moon, take a moment to remember ‘Theia.’ Around four and a half billion years ago, Earth collided with an imaginary planet that scientists have named Theia. The colossal impact is believed to have ejected debris that eventually coalesced to form the Moon. According to this theory, had Theia not ‘sacrificed’ itself, our natural satellite, the Moon, would not have come into existence, and reading this article would have been far more difficult for you.

Scientists suggest that in the early days, Earth collided violently with a body roughly the size of Mars. The debris from this massive collision gradually came together to form a new Moon, according to the ‘Giant Impact Hypothesis.’ This hypothesis posits that the relationship formed after such an impact played a crucial role in the emergence of life on Earth.

For billions of years, the Moon has maintained a gravitational tug-of-war with Earth, stabilizing its axial tilt as it orbits our planet and providing a stable climate system. “Without climate stability, we would experience extreme weather and seasonal patterns that would not support the development of life,” explained Professor Thorsten Kleine from Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research.

Professor Kleine was part of an international research team that, in November of last year, conducted a study delving into this potentially catastrophic and enigmatic event experienced by Earth. Published in the journal Science, their research involved chemical analyses of materials from both Earth and the Moon, further reinforcing the idea that during the turbulent formation of the solar system, Earth and Theia were uneasy neighbors in close proximity.

‘सुशासन दिने हो भने दबाब खेप्ने र बिचौलियाको प्रभावमा नपर्ने मन्त्री चाहिन्छ’

‘Good Governance Requires Ministers Who Can Withstand Pressure and Are Free from Middlemen’

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News Summary

  • Kashiraj Dahal stated that corruption begins at the start of a new government formation due to competition among ministers over the division of ministries and positions.
  • He emphasized that since the constitution distributes power among federal, provincial, and local levels, more than 15 ministries at the federal level are unnecessary.
  • Dahal pointed out that ministers must work with clear strategies, free from pressure and middlemen, to deliver effective results.

As the formation process of the new government begins, political circles are abuzz with the scramble over how ministries will be divided, reduced, and which ministers will be appointed. In previous years, the initial competition over who would get ‘powerful’ ministries has been the root of distortions. How should a newly elected government, with a strong public mandate, prepare to ensure good governance? This article is based on an interview with Kashiraj Dahal, Chairperson of the Public Administration Reform Commission:

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The process of forming a new government has started once again. One persistent problem we face is that from the very first days of government formation, corruption stems from the race to split ministries and secure ministerial posts.

If the new government, which comes with popular mandate, does not address this trend from the start, it will be difficult to maintain momentum for good governance.

Our current constitution distributes power among the federal, provincial, and local levels of government. The federal government is responsible for matters of national importance and international relations.

The provincial and local levels have their own roles and service responsibilities. Given this distribution, there is no need to multiply ministries, departments, and offices at the federal level.

Studies have shown that having over 15 ministries at the federal level is inappropriate. In my 2013 report, I proposed 12 ministries.

Later, the State Affairs Committee reached a consensus among all parties to not exceed 15 ministries.

At the provincial level, 5 to 7 ministries are sufficient. Yet, we continue to see an increase in the number of ministers and splitting of ministries. For example, why does Karnali province need 7 ministries?

The main issue in politics is the management of political activists. Filling offices, structures, committees, and boards simply to accommodate activists has taken place.

However, this has not produced any substantive outcomes and has only increased administrative expenses. Elections occur, representatives are elected, but without tangible results, how can this be called ‘true democracy’? Instead of focusing on governance as the main policy, politics has become only a venue for addressing unemployment. When will the electoral system be transformed from mere ‘electionism’ into ‘real democracy’?

Another astonishing aspect is that ministries are labeled ‘powerful’ or ‘weak’ immediately after ministers are appointed. Abroad, ministries of science, technology, and intellectual property are viewed as powerful, but here, leaders compete for finance and home ministries.

This is because the finance ministry allows distributing budgets to their constituencies, and the home ministry facilitates money flow under the guise of intelligence, protecting mafias. We have misused resources rather than utilizing them effectively.

It is time to abandon the obsession with choosing ministries and focus on those that promote prosperity and innovation.

Incoming ministers must be capable of bearing pressure and be completely independent from middlemen.

Policies and laws designed under the influence of middlemen are in place today. The next ministers must have a clear roadmap — what to accomplish in one month and what outcomes to deliver in six months. Time must not be wasted on mere ribbon-cuttings and seminars.

A minister’s secretariat should be lean and efficient. Large secretariats allow middlemen to operate by withholding information from ministers, which has been a past problem.

Ministers must recuse themselves from decisions where they have personal interests. Making decisions based on personal gain is corruption, violating international norms.

Therefore, the new government must abandon old practices and work towards effective outcomes. The Civil Service Act should be enacted swiftly to enable capable and creative personnel management, and a rational transfer and promotion system implemented. Continuing the past trends will not enable a new journey.

Hence, the government must take the initial and mandatory step to restore discipline and deliver the experience of good governance.

Om Rizal’s Second Novel ‘Paikelo’ Unveiled

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Author Om Rizal’s second novel, ‘Paikelo,’ was launched at Arshala in Kalikasthan, published by Nepalaya Publication. Rizal shared that ‘Paikelo’ is inspired by Karnali’s folk literature, language, and culture. The novel comprises 250 pages and is priced at 575 rupees, available nationwide in bookstores and online.

During the event held in Kathmandu, Rizal presented copies of the book as gifts to historian Bhaveshwar Pangeni and his daughter, Spruha Rizal, officially releasing ‘Paikelo.’ He highlighted the novel’s deep exploration of Karnali’s folk literature and cultural dimensions, stating, “Karnali folk literature and culture have been the driving inspiration for my writing.” He also commended the Dalit community’s role in preserving Karnali’s history and culture.

Rizal added, “My pen never ceases to write stories about endangered cultural aspects such as Karnali folk epics, heroic tales, Veerkhamb, Kirtikhamb, Padeuli, Hukkeli, and Nyawulya.” Nepalaya editor Vimal Acharya described ‘Paikelo’ as a significant literary and scholarly work. Om Rizal’s previous novel, ‘Hataru,’ has already been published.

Meen Bishwakarma Criticizes Nepali Congress for Blaming Its Own Seniors Over Election Defeat

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Chaitra 9, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress leader Meen Bishwakarma has mocked the party for covering up its electoral defeat by blaming its own senior leaders. Speaking through a Facebook post on Monday, Bishwakarma referred to the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as having secured a two-thirds majority by criticizing the traditional parties.

“The Rashtriya Swatantra Party won two-thirds of the seats in the election by criticizing the old parties,” Bishwakarma wrote. “In contrast, the transformed Congress concealed the shame of its defeat by holding a review meeting to blame its own senior leaders from after 2046 BS. What a coincidence!”

Why Is the Sky Blue and Can Its Color Change?

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Video caption beginning,

Why Is the Sky Blue and Can Its Color Change?

When the sky is clear without clouds or fog, it appears blue. This is how we have always observed it.

Therefore, we commonly accept the sky’s color as blue. However, there were eras on Earth when the sky was not blue.

Is it possible for the sky’s color to change again?

What is the secret behind the sky’s color? Find out in this video.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch published videos here. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, you can listen to the BBC Nepali Service program on the radio Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM.

इरान भन्छ- वार्ता भएकै छैन, ट्रम्पको प्रतिक्रिया- एक शीर्ष व्यक्तिसँग भइरहेको छ

Iran Denies Talks, Trump Claims Negotiations with a Senior Iranian Official Underway

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March 22, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump claimed that negotiations are ongoing with a senior Iranian official to prevent war and reach an agreement. On Monday, Trump announced that talks are underway with Iran to avoid conflict, and that the US would refrain from attacking Iran for five days.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s claim. A statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared, “We reject what US President Donald Trump has said regarding talks between the US and Iran.”

Following this, Trump addressed the media, saying that the US is indeed negotiating with a “senior official” from Iran.

Speaking to journalists in Florida, Trump said, “They (the Iranian side) want a deal. We want a deal too. We might have a conversation over the phone today.”

He noted that if everything goes well, war could be averted. “Otherwise, we will continue to bomb. Let’s see what they say,” Trump stated, adding that progress has been made on several issues, which increases optimism.

When asked by reporters if the senior figure he referred to was Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump replied, “I don’t know if he’s alive or not.”

Regular Flights Commence at Rara Airport

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March 23, Mugu – Nepal Airlines has initiated regular flights at Rara Airport in Mugu starting Sunday. Flights are scheduled four times a week from Nepalgunj on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Naveen Kumar Bisht, the station in-charge of Nepal Airlines at Rara Airport, also informed that flights from Surkhet to Rara Airport will operate starting Thursday.

The commencement of regular flights is expected to provide significant relief to local residents, especially those who have faced difficulties transporting patients for medical treatment outside the region. –RAS

Baburam Reflects on Achievements of His 18-Month Government, Suggests They Could Benefit Rastriya Swatantra Party

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March 23, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has stated that the good practices initiated by previous governments can prove useful to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) government. On Monday, through Facebook, Bhattarai highlighted how the positive practices of past administrations could serve as reference material for the Raswapa government and recalled the achievements of his own 18-month tenure as head of government.

“With a historic generational change occurring in Nepali politics and the young Raswapa’s one-party government taking leadership of the country, it is natural for the general public and especially the youth to have high expectations,” Bhattarai wrote. “In this context, the emerging government is in the process of determining its priorities for timely implementation of its programs.”

He emphasized that many of the good practices started by previous governments could act as valuable reference materials. “Among these, the key initiatives and accomplishments of my specifically brief 18-month government tenure might be of some use,” Bhattarai added.

Bhattarai claims that the governance, anti-corruption, and transparency measures his government launched—such as the Halo Government system, direct engagement between the Prime Minister and citizens, improvements in appointment processes for constitutional bodies, and the formation of institutional boards—could prove beneficial for Raswapa.

“Similarly, economic transformation and prosperity initiatives including the Investment Board, Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPA), national pride projects, restoration of essential industries, special economic zones, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, preparations for scientific land reform, land use policy formulation and implementation, poverty identification and certification, and the National Volunteer Campaign can be refined and progressed with prioritized adjustments,” he wrote.

Two Pilots Killed as Plane Collides with Fire Truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

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Video caption starts, Two pilots killed as plane collides with fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

Two pilots killed as plane collides with fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

Authorities have confirmed that two pilots died when an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York, USA.

The aircraft, arriving from Montreal, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. Officials reported that several passengers sustained injuries. Two individuals from the fire truck were also hospitalized and are currently in stable condition.

The crash caused noticeable damage to the CRJ 900 model aircraft involved in the accident.

Located in the eastern part of New York City, LaGuardia Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Statistics show that over 32 million passengers took flights from this airport in the past 12 months.

Primarily, this airport handles domestic flights. However, it is also used by flights heading to Canada and the Caribbean region.

Following the incident, LaGuardia Airport has been closed indefinitely.

Our news service is also available on YouTube. To subscribe and watch published videos, click here. You can also follow our content on Facebook Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, our programs are broadcast on the radio from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.

Times Secures Sixth Consecutive Victory in HJNBL 2026

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News Summary

Prepared after editorial review.

  • Times Basketball Club has claimed its sixth consecutive victory in HJNBL 2026.
  • Times defeated Kirtipur 82-60 to match league leaders Tribhuvan Army Club with 13 points.
  • Eight teams are competing in HJNBL, with the champion receiving a cash prize of NPR 400,000.

March 22, Kathmandu — In the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNBL) 2026, Times Basketball Club secured its sixth consecutive win.

On Monday evening at the Dashrath Rangashala covered hall in Tripureshwor, Times triumphed over Kirtipur with a score of 82-60. Following this sixth win, Times matched league leaders Tribhuvan Army Club with 13 points each. Despite the equal points, Times currently holds the second position based on point differential.

Both teams scored 12 points each in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Times pulled ahead with a 21-12 run, leading 33-24 at halftime.

Times then won the third and fourth quarters by scores of 17-8 and 32-28 respectively, clinching the victory. Shreyas Bahadur Thapa was the top scorer for Times, contributing 20 points.

In another match held on Sunday night, the departmental team Army Club defeated Solo Basketball Club by a wide margin, 103-68.

The second edition of HJNBL, organized by the Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA), features eight competing teams.

The league follows a double round-robin format with a total of 56 games. After the league phase, the top four teams advance to the playoffs. The first playoff qualifier is contested between the first and second ranked teams, while the third and fourth ranked teams face off in an eliminator match.

The loser of the first qualifier and the winner of the eliminator then compete in the second qualifier. The winners of these two qualifiers meet in the final match.

The tournament winner will be awarded NPR 400,000 in prize money; the runner-up will receive NPR 200,000, and the third-placed team will earn NPR 100,000.

In addition, the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament will be announced and awarded attractive prizes, as confirmed by NEBA.

क-कसले लिँदैछन् नेपालीबाहेकका मातृभाषामा शपथ ? – Online Khabar

Which MPs Are Taking Oaths in Mother Tongues Other Than Nepali?

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March 23, Kathmandu: Deepakkumar Sah (49), elected from Sunsari constituency number 4, is taking his parliamentary oath in the Maithili language.

The oath-taking ceremony for the members of the House of Representatives elected on February 21 will take place on March 26.

Explaining the reason for taking his oath in his mother tongue, Sah states, “I wanted to remain rooted. Protecting language helps in preserving culture. My mother tongue will now be officially recorded in the parliament.”

During his school days, Sah used to write poetry, including in Maithili. He reveals that he has been a long-time advocate for protecting the mother tongue.

He holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Natural Resource Development from Pulchowk Engineering Campus and expresses his belief in pluralism.

Nepal’s Constitution embraces multilingualism, multi-religiosity, and multiculturalism as the pride and identity of the state. It emphasizes building an inclusive society that respects all languages, religions, and cultural identities. Sah considers this diversity the soul and identity of Nepalese society and says he plans to take further initiatives to strengthen it through policy measures.

There are other MPs like Sah who are taking their oaths in their respective mother tongues. Mohammad Ishtiaq Rai, elected from Banke constituency number 2, will take his oath in the Awadhi language.

The Oath Act 2079 includes provisions regarding the language of the oath, allowing parliamentarians to take their oaths in their mother tongues.

Rai has been elected as MP three times and has previously taken the oath in Awadhi as well.

“Every time I have been elected as MP, I have taken the oath in Awadhi. This time, I will do the same,” he says.

Rai was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 2064 BS and to the House of Representatives in 2074 BS. He had contested elections in 2070 and 2079 BS but was defeated.

Rai was just 28 years old when he first became an MP and was appointed Minister for Labour and Transport at age 31.

He has been actively involved in the preservation of language and culture since childhood and considers this a significant reason for the voters’ trust in him.

“People feel affinity with their spoken language. Taking the oath in the mother tongue is a way to bring that closeness to the parliament,” Rai says. “It affirms identity, instills pride within me, and creates a sense of belonging among voters.”

In Rai’s view, using the mother tongue in the parliament is an appropriate means to represent the constituency that elected him.

The Oath Act 2079 explicitly states in Article 5, “Oaths or affirmations must be made in the Nepali language for official purposes.” However, it also opens the way for MPs to take oaths in their mother tongues.

Meanwhile, proportional representation MP Khushbu Oli from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party plans to take her oath in Sanskrit.

When taking oaths in the mother tongue, MPs are required to submit a translated version of the oath, certified by themselves, to the oath-taking officials before the ceremony.

Individuals holding public office who take the oath in Nepali must submit two copies of the Nepali oath, and those who take it in their mother tongue must submit two copies of both the mother tongue oath and the Nepali oath to the officials.

According to Deputy Secretary Pradeep Guragain from the Federal Parliament Secretariat, MPs must declare the language they intend to use before the oath ceremony by submitting a form. MPs who wish to take oaths in their mother tongue have informed the secretariat via email or in person.

Newly elected MPs Ujjwal Kumar Jha and Matrika Prasad Yadav will take their oaths in Maithili. The 33-year-old Ujjwal was elected from Mahottari-3, and the 67-year-old Matrika from Dhanusha-1. A dispute regarding the rejection of the Rastriya Swatantra Party candidates in this area is under court consideration.

Kriparam Rana is preparing to take his oath in the Rana Tharu language. He is a proportional representation MP from the CPN UML party.

MPs Geeta Chaudhary and Pramila Kumari Gachhadar have also registered their intention to take the oath in Tharu. Geeta represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Pramila represents the Nepali Congress, both elected through proportional representation.

Similarly, MPs Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Kulbhakta Shakya will take their oaths in the Newar language. Kulbhakta was elected through the UML party’s proportional representation system, while Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Biraj Bhakta was directly elected from Kathmandu-8. Biraj, who was a member of the dissolved House of Representatives, previously took the oath in Nepali.

As mentioned, Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s proportional representation MP Khushbu Oli will be taking her oath in Sanskrit.

So far, MPs have registered their intention to take oaths in nine different languages, with 24 of them opting to do so in their mother tongues.

According to MP Deepak Sah, taking the oath in one’s mother tongue is not only about language use; it symbolizes that Nepal is a multilingual nation, that marginalized communities have reached the parliament, and that federalism and inclusive representation are reflected in this symbolic act.

The History of Taking Oaths in Mother Tongues

The practice of taking oaths in mother tongues began during the Panchayat regime, which had a policy of one language and one dress. Language rights activist Malla K. Sundar recalls that in 1986 (2042 BS), Padyamratna Tuladhar took the oath in his mother tongue at the National Panchayat.

After the establishment of the republic, the number of MPs taking oaths in mother tongues other than Nepali increased. In the 2008 Constituent Assembly, 264 members took their oaths in their respective mother tongues.

In 1991 (2048 BS), Gajendranarayan Singh, founder and chairman of Nepal Sadbhavana Party elected from Saptari-2, took the oath in Hindi.

Malla K. Sundar, who was a member of the Interim Legislature in 2006 (2063 BS), recalls that at that time, including himself, 58 members took oaths in various mother tongues.

The 2008 Constituent Assembly saw even more MPs taking oaths in their mother tongues, including languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magar, Gurung, Western Tharu, Hindi, Newar, Limbu, Tamang, Rai, Eastern Tharu, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Thakali, Sherpa, Rana Tharu, Dhimal, Kumal, Western Darchula languages, Awadhi, Madwari, Jirel, Chepang, Banthar, Majhi, Sunuwar, and Baram.

Following the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections, the oath taken by Vice President Parmananda Jha in Hindi became a subject of legal dispute.

According to the Secretariat of Parliament, 35 MPs took oaths in languages other than Nepali in 2013 (2070 BS), 46 did so in 2017 (2074 BS), and 28 MPs took oaths in mother tongues in 2023 (2079 BS).

Language rights activist Sundar explains, “The linguistic diversity of Nepal should be represented within the structure of the parliament, and the oath is a message that embodies this representation.”