The Lumbini provincial government has begun the legal process to establish the Lumbini Province Pragya Academy, aimed at promoting and preserving language, literature, culture, arts, and music within the province.
The provincial government, which had included the academy in its policy objectives, has now moved forward by preparing the necessary bill. The Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transport submitted the bill to the Council of Ministers, which approved it on Sunday. The bill will now be tabled in the Provincial Assembly for final decision.
“The cabinet has decided to present the bill on the establishment of the Pragya Academy to the Provincial Assembly,” said Minister for Industry, Tourism and Transport Prachanda Bikram Nyaupane. “Now the legal pathway for the academy’s formation is open.”
The government has stated that the academy is essential for the preservation and development of Lumbini Province’s language, literature, folklore, cultural heritage, fine arts, theatre, and music. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural identity and support academic research.
Scope and Objectives of the Proposed Academy
The bill prepared by the ministry outlines the academy’s goals, including:
- Preserving, promoting, and developing language, literature, folklore, culture, fine arts, theatre arts, and music.
- Collecting, studying, researching, archiving, and publishing materials related to these fields.
- Organizing provincial, national, and international seminars, conferences, literary festivals, stage performances, exhibitions, and competitions.
- Establishing cooperation with national and international institutions for cultural and academic exchange.
- Maintaining archives and collections of literature, art, and music.
Minister Nyaupane said, “The main purpose of setting up the Pragya Academy is to preserve and promote the province’s arts, literature, and cultural heritage. We believe the academy will play a significant role in safeguarding these sectors.”
Structure of the Academy
According to the proposed bill, the academy will have two main bodies:
- Pragya Assembly
- Pragya Council
The academy will have a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson, along with 12 members, one nominated from each of the 12 districts of Lumbini Province by the Chief Minister.
Once passed by the Provincial Assembly and certified by the Provincial Head, the bill will become law, officially establishing the Lumbini Province Pragya Academy.
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