Nepal amends constitution to allow Prez, Vice Prez and PM take oath in mother tongue

Nepal Parliament on Thursday endorsed the seventh amendment in the Interim Constitution 2063 BS, paving way for president, vice president and prime minister of the Himalayan nation to take their oaths of office in mother tongue of their choice.

The amendment also makes deck clear to activate the post of vice president that has remained defunct after Paramananda Jha refused to take fresh oath in Nepali language within seven days as ordered by Supreme Court in August last. Nepali is the official language of Nepal.

An overwhelming majority of 601-members in the House had voted in favor of the amendment that allows taking oath of offices also in mother tongue.

While 499 votes in favor of the amendment proposal, 100 other remained absent in the voting. Only four votes were cast against the amendment proposal during the meeting. Two seats in the parliament have remained vacant since last month.

In August, the apex court had nullified the oath Jha took previously in Hindi language saying Hindi was not an official language. Majority of people living in southern plain that borders with India use Hindi as contact language in Nepal.

The government had withdrawn all state facilities and privileges Jha was enjoying following his denial to abide by the court order.

The post of vice president will be revived if Jha took fresh oath in his mother tongue Maithili following the amendment in the constitution, Thursday.

Only ministers and parliamentarians in Nepal were allowed to take oath of their offices in mother tongue of their choice so far.

- Asian Tribune -