May 26: Nepali language is set to be included in the Senior Secondary curriculum of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), following a request made by the Darjeeling Nepali Girls Social Service Centre (DNGSSC) to Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. Acting on this appeal, MP Bista raised the matter with the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
In his communication, MP Bista emphasized that Nepali is one of the 22 officially recognized languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He urged that it be included as a subject at the senior secondary level under NIOS. In a press release, MP Bista shared that he received a positive response from NIOS Chairperson, Professor Pankaj Arora.
According to the response, under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has undertaken the task of developing course materials in all constitutionally scheduled languages. NIOS is actively engaged in curriculum development, and once this broader curriculum initiative is completed, the process of including Nepali at the senior secondary level will move forward.
MP Raju Bista expressed his happiness, stating that Nepali-speaking students will soon be able to choose their mother tongue as a major subject under NIOS. He described this development as a significant step toward recognizing the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation.
“It is the duty of educators, parents, institutions, community leaders, and every individual to actively promote, preserve, and propagate our language. Language is the essence of our identity, and by preserving the Nepali language, we not only honor our heritage but also ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots,” Bista stated in the press release.
He further appealed to everyone to continue respecting and using their language in all aspects of life to keep it vibrant and alive.