Linguist Gopal Thakur’s Perspective: Need for Language Reforms through Constitutional Amendments

Dr. Gopal Thakur has stated that although Nepal’s languages are recognized under fundamental rights in the constitution, the state has not shown adequate sensitivity on this issue. According to Article 7 (1) of the constitution, only the Nepali language is designated as the official language for government affairs, which he believes requires revision. He informed that the Language Commission recommended to the government on October 24, 2023, for constitutional amendments and the formulation of language-related laws.

April 22, Kathmandu – Thakur said, “Even though the constitution includes the languages spoken in Nepal under fundamental rights, the state has not demonstrated sufficient sensitivity on this issue since its inception.” He has been serving as the Chairperson of the Language Commission since March 2023 and is set to retire this coming Thursday due to age limits.

Having also been a member of the Constituent Assembly, Thakur pointed out that the provision in Article 7 (1) of the constitution stating, ‘The Nepali language written in Devanagari script shall be the official language of Nepal,’ establishes a single language as official and requires amendment. Although Nepal is a multilingual nation as per the preamble and Article 3 of the constitution, Article 7 contradicts this stance, he explained.

Thakur added, “The Commission has recommended amending sub-article 1 of Article 7 of the constitution and enacting and implementing federal laws on language in accordance with the preamble, Article 3, and Article 51 (g) (7), recognizing the national languages recommended for provincial official use apart from Nepali.” Despite the government appointing the chairperson and members to the commission, Thakur expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate budget allocation for program implementation.