Govt. to recognize Nepal Sambat as national calendar: PM Koirala

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has directed the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to set up a committee of experts to further study the historic background of Nepal Sambat to recognize it as Nepal's national calendar within a year.



Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala , Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Gyawali and Human Right Activist Padhama Ratna Tuladhar in a program marking 'Nepal Sambat 1127', the Newari New Year,in a programme in Kathmandu, Monday. nepalnews.com/rh

Addressing a function organised to celebrate the New Year 1127, Prime Minister Koirala assured that he will do his best to recognise Nepal Sambat as Nepal’s national calendar within a year.

Following the announcement of Prime Minister, the Nepal Era movement, launched by Nepalbhasha Mankaa Khalaa (NMK) 26 years ago, may see a successful end.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradip Gyawali said he would soon form a committee of experts who would conduct further research on Nepal Sambat.

According to Minister Gyawali, the country is witnessing conflicts because of the discrimination by the ruling class on the basis of language, culture and religion.

“This democratic government is committed to recognising Nepal Era as the national calendar,” he said.

Talking about politics in the same function, Minister Gyawali, who is also a member of the government talks team said the government and the Maoists will find a solution to the conflict in the on-going talks and will lead the country to free and fair constituent assembly elections.

A mass rally was taken out in the heart of Kathmandu prior to the function. Around 50,000 people, mostly in their traditional attire and playing traditional musical instruments, took part in the rally. nepalnews.com pb Oct 24 06