Gangtok, September 4, 2025 – In a landmark move to promote linguistic inclusion, the Central government has mandated the use of Nepali language across all telecom services in Sikkim. The directive was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, instructing all telecom operators to incorporate Nepali in customer support services, SMS alerts, and Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS).
The official order, dated September 2, was signed by Rakesh Yadav, Assistant Wireless Advisor (Licensing Policy). It highlights the need for subscribers in Sikkim to receive telecom-related communication in their native language. As Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the state, the government aims to ensure better accessibility and user experience for all telecom users.
Under the new regulation, all telecom operators, internet service providers (ISPs), and virtual network operators (VNOs) are required to provide services in Nepali alongside Hindi and English. This includes billing notifications, recharge messages, and helpline interactions, ensuring that users can access all essential information in a language they understand best.
The DoT has given service providers a 30-day deadline to implement the changes, with a compliance report to be submitted to their respective Licensed Service Area (LSA) offices by early October 2025. The department has also cautioned that regulatory action may be taken against operators that fail to comply within the stipulated time.
The move has been welcomed as a progressive step toward cultural recognition and digital inclusion for the people of Sikkim. It is expected to not only improve the quality of service but also empower users by enabling communication in their mother tongue.
