NationalCulturalPolicy,2067
1.Introduction
1.1MeaningofCulture
Human culture is the lifestyle that emerges from the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities by intelligent human beings to create or construct various creations. The creationsthathumanscreateor construct are of two types: physical and non-physical. Both types of creations are referred to as culture
Followers of a particular philosophy or thought often refer to the creations and practices associated with that philosophy or thoughtasculture.ExamplesincludeHinduculture,Buddhistculture,Islamic culture,andsoon
The culture of a human community or community living in a particular geographical area is often identified by the name of that area For example, the culture of human communities living in the western part of the Earth is called Western or Occidental culture In contrast, the culture of human communities living in the eastern part of the Earth is called Eastern culture. Similarly, the culture of human communities living in the Karnali Province of Nepal is called Karnali culture, the culture of the people of Doti Province is called Doti culture, the culture of the Mithila region is called Mithila culture, and so on Likewise, the culture or cultures ofhumancommunitieslivingwithinthepolitical boundaries of a country or state are also referred to by the name of that country, such as Nepali culture,Indianculture,Chineseculture,Frenchculture,andsoon.
The culture of a particular caste or community is known as the culture of that caste or community Examples include Newar culture, Gurung culture, Khas culture, Chepang culture, Tharu culture, Dhimalculture,Raiculture,Limbuculture,andsoon
The cultures created and adoptedbyhumansindifferentperiodsofthedevelopmentofhumanculture are also addressed based on those eras and periods. The culture of the era when people created and used stone tools is called Stone Age culture There is also a practice of classifying culturesbasedon different periods of historical time In the context of Nepal, there are terms like Kirat-era culture, Lichchhavi-eraculture,Malla-eraculture,ancientculture,medievalculture,andsoon.
1.2HistoryofHumanSettlementandCulturalDevelopmentinNepal
It is believed that the early human communities first settled in Nepal about 250,000 years ago. This claim is supported by the discovery of early Paleolithic tools in the Dang Valley Later, around 8-9 thousand years ago, modern human communities also settled in the same region,asevidencedbythe discoveryofMiddlePaleolithictoolsintheDangdeukhuriValley.
Archaeological excavations in the Kapilvastu region and the discovery of a copper human figure in Kailali suggest that human settlements existed in these areas as early as the beginning of the first millennium BC. Similarly,evidenceofhumanhabitationaroundthe8thcenturyBChasbeenfoundin certaincavesinMustang.
In the early centuries of the Common Era, the Kirats and later the Licchavis ruled the Nepal Valley During the Licchaviperiod,Nepal'sterritoryextendedfromtheKoshiregionintheeasttotheKarnali regioninthewest
The Vedic scriptures mention the presence of the Shakya people in Kapilvastu around the middle of the second millennium BC, the Videha Janaks in Janakpur towards the end of the same millennium, and the Gopals, Mahishpals, and Kirats in the Kathmandu Valley around the beginning of the first millennium BC Evidence of human settlements around the 1st century AD in Jhapa, Morang, and SunsaridistrictsissuggestedbytheexcavationsatKichka,Bhediyari,andBarahakshetra.
In the 8th centuryAD,someTibetanssoughtrefugeinNepal Someofthemsettledinthemid-hillsof Nepal In the 9th century AD, the powerful Khas kingdom was established in the western Karnali region. In the 11th century AD, the powerful Karnatak kingdom was established inSimraungarh.By the 12th and 13th centuries AD, most of the present-day territory of Nepal had human settlements. During this time, many people from India, including those from Nalanda, Vikramshila, and other universities, sought refuge in Nepal to escape the Muslim invasions In the 14th century AD, the Karnatak royal family and many of their supporters from Simraungarh entered the Nepal Valley and surrounding areas Thus, people from various communities and regions came to Nepal and settled at differenttimes
In the 15th century AD, the powerful Khas kingdomofJumladisintegrated,withsomepartsgoingto TibetandotherstoIndiabeyondtheMahakaliRiver
The remaining parts of Nepal were divided into 24 smaller kingdoms. IntheGandakiregion,several Chaubise states emerged, with Palpa's Sen state being the largest and most powerful. This state also split, leading to the establishment of another Sen state in Makwanpur The territory east of Trishuli, excluding the Kathmandu Valley, fell under the control of Makwanpur In the 17th century, Makwanpur split into Chaudandi and Vijayapur states. Finally,inthe18thcentury,Nepalwasunified throughtheunificationofalltheBaise,Chaubise,andSenstates,formingmodernNepal
After this long journey of human settlements, we, consisting of over 103 different ethnicities and 92 languages, have come together under theNepaliidentity.Eachofourethnicitiesandcommunitieshas itsuniquehistoryandculture
1.3DefinitionofNepaliNationalCulture
As explained earlier, human culture and its various names (11) as well as a brief history of human settlement in Nepal (12) have been presented Based on these, the following definition of Nepali nationalculturecanbegiven:
Nepali national culture is the collective form of the physical and non-physical creations created and adopted by various human communities or groups who have inhabited or are currently inhabiting within the present-day boundaries of Nepal, and the lifestyle associated with thesecreations.Itisthe heritagethatourancestorsofvariousethnicitiesandcommunitieshaveleftbehindforus
2.Background
The work of preserving and managing cultural heritage in Nepal has been carried out traditionally based on customs and beliefs since ancienttimes However,itgainedalegalbasiswiththeenactment of the AncientMonumentsPreservationAct,2013.Subsequently,variouslawsandregulationsrelated to the preservation and management of cultural heritage were introduced. These include the Local Administration Act, the Guthi Act, the Pragyapratisthana Act, the Lumbini Development Fund Act, the Pashupati Area Development Trust Act, and other relevant laws and institutions Despite these provisions, the need for a comprehensive national cultural policy that addresses the preservation and management ofculturalheritagethroughoutthecountryfromabroaderperspectivehasbeenfeltsince the 1980s In response to this need, a draft cultural policy was presented in 2049 Similarly, another draft was prepared in 2060. However, before these drafts could be formally adopted as policy, significant historical and transformative changes occurred in Nepal. The country transitioned from a monarchy to a republic and from a Hindu state to a secular state These changes necessitated a new national cultural policy that reflects the diverse perspectives and values brought about by these transformations and addresses the need foracomprehensiveandbalancedapproachtopreservingand protecting Nepal's diverse cultural heritage. Consequently, this National Cultural Policy, 2067, has beenformulated
3.CurrentSituation
Human settlements in Nepal date back over two hundred and fifty thousand years. The cultural remains of these various human communities are the heritage we have inherited today Similarly,we have been continuously embracing and preserving the traditional cultural practices created and adopted by our ancestors from various ethnicities and communities. It is not only the responsibility butalsotherightofeveryNepalitopreserveandpromotetheirculture.Thisrighthasbeenrecognized as a cultural right in Article 17, Subsection 3 of Nepal's Interim Constitution, 2063, which states, "Every community residing in Nepal shall have the right to preserve and promote their language, script,culture,culturalcivilization,andheritage."
4.ChallengesandOpportunities
Nepal's culturalheritage,spanningovertwohundredandfiftythousandyears,encompassingoverone hundred and three ethnicities, and encompassing diverse cultural practices, is a source of national pride. However, the scientific research, study, and preservation of this vast cultural treasure pose significantchallengesintermsoftime,resources,andmanpower
Another challenge is the influence of foreign or external cultures on any given culture. With today's global digital communication, minimizing, controlling,andpreservingtheuniqueidentityofaculture amidstsuchinfluencesisyetanotherchallenge
Culture is dynamic and constantly evolving. Many cultural traditions adopted by various ethnicities and communities need to be reformed in light of modern and humanistic perspectives However, reformingsuchtraditionswithoutcompromisingtheircoreelementsposesasignificantchallenge
The current education system has not been able to adequately incorporate materials that instillpride, faith, and understanding of one's culture in students. Consequently, the younger generation is becomingincreasinglyindifferenttowardsNepaliculturaltraditions,presentinganotherchallenge
Amidst these and numerous other challenges, identifying appropriate measures to preserve,promote, andmanageNepalicultureisapressingneed.
5.NeedforaNewPolicy
The cultural heritage left behind by various human communities in different periods of Nepal's long history of human settlement has notbeenstudiedindetail Despitehavingover103ethnicitiesand92 languages, there hasbeennocomprehensiveandscientificstudyonthetypes,extent,andconditionof the Nepali cultural heritage. In the absence of a national cultural policy, national programsrelatedto culture have often beenformulatedbasedonassumptionsratherthanfactualstudiesofthehistoryand cultureofdifferentethnicitiesandcommunities
Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a national cultural policy that promotes the study and preservation of the cultural heritage ofallethnicitiesandcommunities,fostersharmonyandtolerance amongthem,reducestheinfluenceofexternalculturesonNepaliculture,promotesculturaltourismto create employment opportunities, and ensures equal opportunities for all ethnicitiesandcommunities to preserve and promote their respective cultures. Furthermore, the policy should incorporate new ideas that haveemergedinthechangingcontextandcreateanenvironmentconducivetonurturingthe talent and creativity of every citizen Not only government and semi-government agencies, but also non-government organizations and individuals involved in cultural activities should be included in formulatingthisculturalpolicy
6.Goal
The goal of the nationalculturalpolicyistostudyandpreservethephysicalandnon-physicalcultural heritage of various ethnicities and communities in Nepal, promote harmony, respect, and tolerance amongthem,enhancesocialdignity,andunifythenationthroughculturalintegration
7.Objectives
TheobjectivesoftheNationalCulturalPolicyareasfollows:
1 Conduct scientific research and studies on both tangible and intangible national cultural heritageinNepal,andofficiallyrecognizeandpreservethem
2. Promote the preservation and management of national cultural heritage to enhance national pride and unity, foster harmony and tolerance in society, and strengthen social respect and dignity
3. Conduct scientific research and studies on various ethnicities and communities living in differentpartsofNepal,andshedlightontheirhistoryandculture.
4 Conduct surveys, studies, and research on both tangible and intangible Nepali cultural heritage,andpublishscientificandauthenticlistsanddetailsoftheseheritages
5. Identifyandrecordtheownershipofculturalheritage.
6 Determine the responsibility for the preservation and management of cultural heritage based ontheirsignificanceandownership.
7 Identify appropriate measures, technologies, resources, and public participation for the preservation and management of cultural heritage, and ensure their proper preservation and transfertofuturegenerations
8. Promote national identity and pride through the proper preservation and management of nationalculturalheritage
9 Promote harmony, tolerance, and respect among variousethnicitiesandcommunitiesthrough theirculturalheritage,andensurepeace,harmony,andnationalunity.
10. Contribute to the tourism industry and create employment and income opportunities through culturalheritage
11 Conduct surveys and studies on the traditional lifestylesofvariousethnicities,andencourage theestablishmentoflivingmuseumsascommunityculturalcenters.
8.Policies
8.1 Necessary structural arrangements and organizational improvements will be made for the study, protection,andmanagementofmattersrelatedtoculture
8.2 Appropriate structural and organizational arrangements willbemadeasneededforthesystematic operationoftheculturalsociety’spreservationandprotectionprograms
8.3Investmentintheculturalsectorwillbeincreasedtoensureasystematicflowofresources.
8.4 No person, caste, community, religion, class, thought, belief, faith, or language will be discriminatedagainstinanylabor,employment,orbusinesssectors
8.5 Policies will be adopted to protect the natural resources associated with religious and cultural beliefs,includingtheirmanagement
8.6 Programs will be run to research, study, protect, and manage the various types of historical, religious,andculturalheritagesinthecountry
8.7 Scientific studies, research, and promotion of the folk culture of different ethnic groups and communitieswillbeprioritized.
8.8 The contributions made by the various castes andcommunitiestotheformationanddevelopment of Nepaliculture,literature,andcivilizationwillberecognizedandpreservedastheuniqueidentityof Nepalisociety.
8.9 Efforts will be made to identify and preserve the different linguistic and cultural heritage of the nation,includingsystematicdocumentationofsuchpractices.
8.10 Various ethnic, linguistic, and community traditions willbedocumented,studied,andpromoted, makingthemakeypartofthenationalculturalwealth
8.11 Special arrangements will be made to protect and manage the traditional knowledge, skills, and productsoflocalcommunities,ensuringtheireconomicsustainability
8.12 The proper promotion, preservation, and enhancement of local cultural values, customs, and traditionswillbeensuredthroughcoordinatedactionswithlocalcommunities.
8.13 Significantculturalandintangibleheritagewillbepreserved,promoted,andtransmittedtofuture generationsthroughspecialprograms
8.14 The protection, promotion, and proper management of ancient archaeologicalsites,monuments, and objects will be prioritized The reconstruction of destroyed and damaged heritage sites will also beintensified.
8.15 Cultural institutions and working groups formed for the protection of cultural practices will be managedandstreamlinedcontinuously
8.16 Cultural and historical environments that are representative of Nepali identity will be preserved andpromotedtonationalandinternationalaudiencesthroughmediaandotherpublicrelationsefforts
8.17 National cultural symbols of pride and identity will be preserved, promoted, and spread, both domesticallyandinternationally
8.18Specialeffortswillbemadetoestablishlivinganddynamiclinkagesbetweentheancientcultural practicesofNepalandcontemporaryglobalpractices,involvingbothforeignandlocalscholars.
8.19 Cultural institutions and organizations will be encouraged to recognize and reward individuals andgroupswhocontributetoculturaldevelopmentandpreservation.
8.20 Cultural institutions will be formed and strengthened for the unification of artistic,cultural,and folkpractices
9.StrategiesandWorkingPolicies
Legal Arrangements
9.1 Scientific and practical efforts will be made to amend, update, and improve the legal provisions related to the research, study, protection, and management of tangible and intangible cultural assets based on the Local Government Act of 2074 BS and other acts such as the Ancient Monument PreservationActof2013BSandamendmentsupto2048BS.
9.2 Appropriate legal arrangements will be made to regulate, manage, and study the issuesrelatedto theresearch,study,protection,preservation,andmanagementoftheculturalheritagesector.
9.3 For the implementation of policies, guidelines, and decisions related to cultural assets, proper coordination will be maintained between the related bodies of the central, provincial, and local governments. Necessary efforts will also be made to establish partnerships with the private sector, non-governmentalorganizations,andcommunitygroups.
9.4 Efforts will be made to ensure that there are no conflicts or overlaps in the roles and responsibilities of thedifferentbodiesinvolvedintheculturalheritagesector.Forthispurpose,aclear
delineation of the areas of responsibility will be outlined, and processes for dispute resolution and resourcesharingwillbeestablished.
9.5 Based on the directives from international bodies and Nepal’s commitments to international conventions, efforts will be madetodevelop,update,andenforcelawsandregulationsconcerningthe protection,preservation,andpromotionofculturalassets.
Institutional Arrangements
9.6 A National Cultural Council will be formed to coordinate, protect, and manage cultural assets efficiently This council will have autonomy and will work in coordination with various sectors of nationalculture.
9.7 A National Cultural Council will be established with representatives from various governmental and non-governmental bodies to create a unified platform to promote and preserve the nation's culturalheritage.
9.8 A mechanism will be created to promote and managebothtangibleandintangibleculturalassets, focusing on bothtraditionalandmodernperspectives Thismechanismwillalsohelppromotecultural representationinternationally.
9.9 Efforts will be made to clarify and strengthen the role of local governments in cultural managementasoutlinedintheconstitution.
9.10 National pride and cultural symbols will be prioritized, and efforts will be intensified to recognizetheminternationally
9.11 The processes of resource mobilization and service delivery will be strengthened to ensure that the national culture receives adequate support The council will work to build international relationshipsandpromoteNepaliculturegloballythroughdiplomacyandculturalexchanges
EconomicPerspective
9.12 Considering the current financial situation of the country, the national budget allocation for culturewillbeincreasedto4.74%.
9.13 Emphasis will be placed on ensuring financial stability through fundraising initiatives for the protection and management of cultural heritage and museums, and plans will be developed in collaborationwithvariousculturalsites,archives,andstakeholders.
9.14 For the complete restoration of damaged heritage, attention will be given to the rearrangement andmanagementofdamagedheritageasnewtouristdestinations.
9.15 Programs for cooperation and assistance in the field of culture with international organizations andassociationswillbeeffectivelyconducted
9.16 Immediate implementation of financial support and sustainable management plans will be providedtoprivatesectorsandbusinesspeoplewhoarecurrentlyinvestinginheritageconservation.
ReligiousPerspective
9.17 Respectingnationalprideandstrengtheningfeelingsofunity,religiousandculturalsentimentsof every religion and culture will be preserved and protected Religious institutions across the country willberegulatedandfacilitatedinacoordinatedandcooperativemanner
9.18 Under the vision of religious tolerance and harmony, initiatives will be taken to preserve and maintain the sites of archaeological importance, appoint clergy and priests, and ensure that their managementiscarriedoutinanorderlymanner
RevisedArrangementsandReforms
9.19 The revised arrangements will aim to make the state's participation in religious ceremonies moreeffective.Itwillalsoevaluatethecustomsrelatedtotheappointment of religious leaders and representatives of religious institutions, making necessary timelyreformsbasedontherecommendationsofconcernedparties.
9.20 Arrangements will be made for the management of pilgrimage sites and the organization of pilgrims by forming necessary institutions and organizingdiscussions withconcernedcommunitiesandexperts.
9.21 There will be arrangements to make theofferingsanddonationsatreligioussites transparentandinstitutionallystandardized,bothstructurallyandlegally
HeritageManagement
9.22 Detailed surveys will be conducted to prepare an inventory and comprehensive description of national heritage sites,especiallyriverbanks,pilgrimagesites,shores,forests,hills,mountains,ridges, cliffs,caves,andgroves.
9.23 Heritage sites shared by different ethnic and community groups will be preserved in a socially inclusiveandrespectfulmanner,ensuringpropermanagement.
9.24 Publicity and awareness campaigns will be carried out to highlight the cultural importance of heritagesites,whichwillaidinthedevelopmentofculturaltourism
EthnographicResearch
9.25 Research will be conducted across the country to study the history and cultural practices of variousethnicgroups,witheffortsmadetodocumenttheirofficialrecords
9.26Necessaryarrangementswillbemadeforthepublicationanddisseminationofthegathereddata.
FestivalsandRituals
9.27 Various ethnic and community rituals and festivals will be studied, and a comprehensive list, alongwithdetaileddescriptions,willbeprepared
9.28 National, local, community, and ethnic festivals and rituals will be systematically managed and promoted,withproperattentiontotheirpreservation
9.29 Comparative studies will be conducted onculturalaspectsandtherelationshipbetweendifferent ethnic groups and communities, and these studies will be integrated into educational curricula to promoteharmonyandunderstanding
Languages
9.30 A nationwide survey will be conducted, and a list will be prepared detailing the current state, history, and usage of spoken languages, dialects, and scripts, along with the communities that use them
9.31 Based on study reports,aclassificationwillbemadeofvariouslanguagesanddialectsaccording totheircurrentstatus
9.32 Based on the classification, efforts will be made to expand the use of mother tongues in education, mass communication, and administrative sectors This will also involve the preservation andpromotionoflanguagesanddialects
LiteratureandFolkConversations
9.33 Folk songs, folk tales,villageconversations,proverbs,traditionalhymns,andotherformsoforal literaturebelongingtovariouscastesandlinguisticgroupswillbecollected,preserved,andstudied
9.34Studyreportsandinformationgainedfromsurveyswillbepublishedthroughdifferentmediums
9.35 A list of subjects and themes for literature and folk conversations will be created, identifying importantdialogues
TraditionalFolkArts
9.36 Efforts will be made to conserve and study traditional and community-based tangible folk arts and crafts. The production of such folk arts, along with thetraditionalskillsandtechnologiesusedin these communities, will bedocumentedandencouraged Additionally,indigenousknowledgesystems willbepreserved,ensuringtherecognitionofcaste-basedownershipandsystemsforprotection
9.37Traditionalskillsandtechnologieswillbemodernizedandtransmittedtonewgenerations
9.38 Traditional folk arts and crafts, along with various materials used in their production, will be developed sustainably and promoted through the establishment and operationoflivelihoodsbasedon theirpreservationandpromotion
9.39 Necessary arrangements will be made to implement the policies and strategies related to the commercial production of traditional folk arts and crafts in accordance with the guidelines of the National Folk Arts Policy 2065 (2008) These efforts will promote accessibility and increase production
9.40 International and domestic tourists will be attracted and motivated towards tourism and the tourismindustrythroughtraditionalfolkartsandcrafts.
ExhibitionaryArt
9.41
Research will be conducted on traditional spaces (dabali, chauk, etc), musical instruments, and the clothing and ornaments used during exhibitions by traditional folk artists, and descriptions of these willbeprepared.
9.42
Encouragementwillbegiventotheestablishmentofmuseumsforthepreservationoftraditionalskills and resources presented by traditional folk artists, toarchivetheseforfuturereference,andtodisplay otherrelatedcollections
9.43
Various departments of the concerned institutions will conduct research, studies, and conservation efforts in coordination with experts and consultants to promote traditional exhibitionary arts, music, drama,andotherfolkcultures
9.44
The exhibition of traditional folk arts will be promoted to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, therebycontributingtothetourismindustry.
ArchivalConservation
9.45 Historical documents under the managementofvariousdepartmentsliketheMinistryofForeign Affairs, Guthi (Trust) Organizations, and Map Records will be centralized at the National Archives, andeffortswillbemadefortheireffectiveconservationandmanagement
9.46 Documents created by various government departments, including constitutional bodies, and those that are more than 25 years old and of national significance will be preserved and conserved withnecessaryarrangementsmadefortheirprotection.
9.47 Efforts will be made to modernize the conservation of documents, manuscripts, andcalligraphy intheNationalArchives,throughadvancedmeansandtechnology
ArchaeologicalConservation
9.48Archaeologicalsurveysandexcavationswillbecarriedoutbyformingactionplans.
9.49Thedetailsofidentifiedarchaeologicalsitesandstructureswillbegraduallymadepublic
9.50 Proper protection and management of archaeological sites and structures will be ensured by involvinglocalcommunitiesintheprocess
9.51 Among the identified archaeological sites and structures, prioritization will be given for excavationandexplorationbasedontheirsignificanceandpotentialresources
9.52 A systematic archaeological survey and excavation of the identified archaeological sites willbe conducted,contributingtothecreationofnationalhistory.
9.53 The immovable heritage recovered from the excavation will be properly conserved and arrangementswillbemadetodisplaythemtothepublic,promotingthecountry’stourism.
ConservationofHistoricalArtifacts
9.54 Arrangements will be made for the exhibition or safe storage of movable cultural artifacts obtained during archaeological excavations, following their study and publication in appropriate museums.
9.55 Registration will be conducted for movable cultural assets that fall under the definition of historical artifacts according to the laws governing semi-governmental, non-governmental organizations,institutions,individuals,orcommunities.
9.56 Arrangements will be made for the private ownership or management by wealthy individuals, organizations, institutions, or communities to establish private museums and organize exhibitions of registeredmovableculturalassets.
9.57 Efforts will continuetobringbackancientculturalassetsthathavebeenunlawfullytakenabroad andreturnthemtotheirrightfulplacewithinthecountry.
AncientMonumentConservation
9.58 National surveys and studies will beconductedonancientmonumentsandmonumentareas,and theirdocumentationwillbedone.Suchworkswillbeupdatedperiodically.
9.59Ownershipofancientmonumentsandmonumentareaswillbeidentified
9.60 Based on ownership and classification, the responsible bodies, communities, or individuals for conservationandmanagementwillbeidentified.
9.61 Various governmental, semi-governmental, and non-governmental organizations, committees, councils, and development boards responsible for taking ownership of ancient monuments and monumentareaswillcoordinateeffortstopreventanyharmandconservethem.
9.62 To preserve ancient monuments, scientific methods, technology, and appropriate research, including international standards and values, will be incorporated. A national directive will be preparedtoguideallconcernedbodiesintheirconservationactivities
9.63 Public participation and awareness campaigns will be carried out to enhance community involvementintheconservationandmanagementofancientmonuments.
9.64 Ancientmonumentsthatareundermisusewillbebroughtintoappropriateuse Also,instructions willbepreparedandfollowed,incorporatingancientarchaeologicalknowledgeandresearch.
9.65 Efforts will be made to promote tourism by utilizing ancient monuments properly and showing themtothepublicinanorganizedway
9.66 The responsibility for conserving and managing cultural heritage will be handed over to local bodiesandcommunitiesgradually
9.67 The government will adopt policiesfororganizingprogramsincollaborationwiththepublicand privatesectorstoconserveandmanageculturalheritage
HistoricalEnvironmentalConservation
9.68 While conserving and managing cultural heritage and heritage sites,thestudywillbeconducted on the historicnature,climate,fauna,andfloraalongwiththefundamentalandhistoricalenvironment oftheheritageorheritagesites
9.69Environmentalconservationaspectswillalsobeincludedinthepreservationplansofmonuments orheritagesites
PublicityandPromotion
9.70 The promotion and dissemination of important cultural subjects through national and internationalmediawillbeemphasized
9.71 Cultural resources of national significance, found in different parts of the country, will be incorporated into academic curricula at various levels, and arrangements will be made to facilitate theirstudy
9.72 Various cultural programs, such as the documentation of ethnic traditions and customs through television, films, andvideorecordings,willbeorganized Theseprogramswillbeexhibitedinschools andcommunitycenters
9.73 Cultural exchanges with friendly nations during national celebrations will be encouraged to contributetothespreadofculturalawareness
AwardsandRecognition
9.74 Proper arrangements will be made to identify and recognize individuals and organizations who have contributed to the research, preservation, management, and promotion of the country's history, archaeologicalliterature,andculturalenvironment Theywillbeawardedandhonored
9.75 Individuals who have made outstandingcontributionstoliteratureandculturewillbehonoredas national treasures. Memorial centers and educational and cultural organizationswillbeestablishedin theirnametopreservetheirlegacy,andtheywillbeencouragedwithlifelongrecognition
9.76 New discoveries in the field of national history and archaeology will be published, and individualsresponsibleforthesediscoverieswillbeawardednationalprizesandrecognition.
9.77 Institutional mechanisms will be put in place to organize and conduct programs for awarding prizesinthenameofnationalfigures.
10.InstitutionalStructures
The institutional structures necessary for implementing this policy are outlined in Clauses 82, 85, and421ofthePolicy,Strategy,andActionPlan.Thesestructuresinclude:
● MinistryofCulture
● NationalCultureCouncil
● IntangibleCulturalHeritageDepartment
● MuseumsandFoundations(asneeded)
● CulturalAffairsBodiesinFederalStates(afterfederalization)
● UpgradingoftheNationalMuseumandNationalArchives
● Bringing under the Ministry of Culture the Guthi Sansthan, Buddhist Philosophy Promotion and Monastery Development and Management Committee, Indigenous Communities DevelopmentNationalFoundation,andotherrelevantbodiescurrentlyunderotherministries
11.EconomicAspects
Although this is a new cultural policy, many of the measures included in it have been practiced traditionally. Therefore, this policy does not require additional financial resources beyond those currently available It aims to optimize the use of traditional resources and attract more investment towards implementing the policy, as outlined in Clauses 912 to 916 Sincetherearenonewsources of revenue or expenditure, there is no need for changes in the existing financial management proceduresandauditingsystems
12.LegalFramework
Implementing this policy may require amendments to some existing laws related to cultural heritage management and the creation of new laws. Clauses9.1to9.5outlinethespecificlawsthatneedtobe amendedorenacted:
12.1Lawstobeamended:
● AncientMonumentsPreservationAct(withamendments),2013
● ArchivesPreservationAct,2046
● GuthiAct,2033
● VariousActsrelatedtofoundations,trusts,andcommittees
These amendments and new laws will ensure a legal framework that supports the implementation of theculturalpolicy
13.MonitoringandEvaluation
The implementation andachievementsofthispolicywillbemonitoredandevaluatedatvariouslevels in different phases. In the first phase, the heads of relevant departments, institutions, foundations, committees, and other relevant bodies will periodically evaluate theimplementation,monitoring,and achievements of the clauses related to their respective areas of work and submit their reports to the ministry.
In the second phase, the ministry will review the implementation progress and achievements of both the clauses implemented by the departmental bodies and those implemented by the ministry itself Based on this comprehensive review, an annual report will bepreparedandsubmittedtotheNational CultureCouncil
In the third phase, the National Culture Council will conduct an annual comprehensivereviewofthe implementation progress, evaluation, and achievements of the national cultural policy. Based on this detailed review, the council will identify and recommend solutions to any challenges encountered in the implementation process and propose any necessary amendments or additions to the policy The councilwillthensubmititsrecommendationstothechairperson.
14.NewLawstobeEnacted
Thefollowingnewlawsandregulationsarenecessaryfortheeffectiveimplementationofthispolicy:
● Laws, regulations, and directives related to the establishment, operation, and managementof government-ownedandprivately-ownedmuseums.
● Laws, regulations, and directives related to the preservation and management of intangible culturalheritage.
● Lawsestablishingvariousculturalfoundations,councils,committees,anddevelopmentfunds.
● A single umbrella law for regulating the management and operation of all religious heritage sites,ensuringtransparencyandaccountability
14.Risks
Due totheculturalamendmentsinthepasttwoandahalfdecades,especiallythe103percentincrease in population and the 21 percent rise in the number of languages, the vastculturaldiversityofNepal has become a significant subject The management of such sensitive issues like culture requires an extensive and thoughtful approach During a time of political instability, likeinourcountry,thistask of managing cultural aspects becomes even more important and challenging. The current policy presentsseveralrisksandchallengesintermsofitsimplementation
Thefollowingaresomerisksandchallenges,andthemeasurestoaddressthemarelistedbelow:
Risks/Challenges
1 Work related to the collection and managementof heritageandresources
MeasurestoAddress
The task of scientifically studying, preserving, and managing the vastculturalresourcesofthecountryishighlychallenging.
2 Lack of necessary legal provisions The lack and inadequacy of necessary legal frameworks to implementthispolicyandregulaterelatedinstitutionsisapparent.
3.Externalculturalinfluence The management of the impact of external cultural influences on Nepal’s traditional culture due to modern technology, especially communicationmediums,remainsasignificantchallenge
4. Preventing theextinctionof culturaltraditions
5 Declining pride in one’s ownculture
Cultural transformation is a sensitive issue. There is still adanger that some ethnic or community-based cultural traditions may disappearduetochangesandreforms
There is a growing lack of pride and attachment to one's cultural traditions and heritage in society Similarly,theefforttoupliftand preserve cultural identity is also becoming weaker. This poses a serious risk and challenge to the preservation of the national culture