Gandaki, 3 January: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that language and culture are our identity. Inaugurating a cultural festival organized by the Nepal Magar Association Gandaki Province in Pokhara today, he said that language and culture should be preserved, noting that these issues are directly linked to our history and identity.
Stating that the government has formed various commissions targeting the protection of the rights and interests of indigenous and nationalities along with preserving their culture, Minister Gurung pointed out the need for their practical utilization.
Stating that even if the state makes arrangements for reservations for indigenous and national minorities, it is necessary to pay attention to how much of it is utilized, he said, “The state cannot just make arrangements for reservations, it must be put to practical use.”
Stating that the current government is taking initiatives to work as per the expectations of the people, Minister for Communications Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson, informed that preparations are being made to have 11 different laws passed by the parliament to resolve the policy-level problems seen as obstacles in various places. He said that the government is preparing to move forward by passing these laws in the upcoming parliament session.
Stating that an investigation committee comprising representatives of all political parties represented in the parliament has been formed to resolve the problems seen in the cooperative sector, Minister Gurung said that the government is moving towards a long-term solution to the problems of the cooperative sector. Stating that those who have not made mistakes in cooperatives should not be punished, he said, “If you support the judicial process, you do not need to be afraid. If you have not embezzled people’s money, then you do not need to be afraid.”
Stating that anyone involved in fraud in cooperatives should be brought to justice, Minister Gurung said, “Anyone who has defrauded cooperative savers will not be exempted from the umbrella of the party, regardless of which party they belong to.”
Stating that there is a provision to change the articles and laws that are obstructed and where weaknesses are found while implementing the constitution within every 10 years, Minister Gurung said that while amending the constitution, it will be done through consensus and coordination. He clarified that the main essence of the constitution, including federalism, secularism, proportional inclusive system, etc., cannot be amended.
Stating that our society is a rainbow society with diversity, Minister for Communications Gurung said that this is an example of representation in the House of Representatives, National Assembly, Provincial Assembly, and municipalities. Stating that the government has reached a developing country from an underdeveloped one, he pointed out the need to reduce the trade deficit, increase production, and increase exports in order to move forward.
Stating that no Nepali should be disappointed as the country has achieved many achievements since 2047 BS, Minister Gurung informed that facilities and infrastructure including electricity, drinking water, and other facilities are being developed in all municipalities along with road facilities. Stating that the government is engaged in poverty reduction and increasing capital expenditure, he opined that some of the positive works initiated by the government will be realized by the upcoming Jestha.
Stating that the Magar people are rich in their original culture, Minister Gurung pointed out the need to move forward by preserving their culture with a sense of coordination within the community. He emphasized that along with preserving culture, it is necessary to move forward by protecting and promoting it in a timely manner.
Taramaya Thapa Magar, chairperson of Nepal Magar Association Gandaki, informed that the festival was held to preserve the original culture. The program featured original Magar dances performed by representatives from various districts.
