The Central government has directed all telecom operators in Sikkim to make the Nepali language mandatory across customer services and digital platforms. The order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, was circulated on September 2 and requires compliance within 30 days.
According to the notification, signed by Assistant Wireless Advisor (Licensing Policy) Rakesh Yadav, telecom service providers, internet companies, and virtual network operators must integrate Nepali into customer care operations, SMS alerts, and interactive voice response systems (IVRS). The initiative aims to ensure that subscribers across Sikkim can access telecom services in their mother tongue. Nepali, the lingua franca of Sikkim, is spoken by a majority of the state’s population. Until now, most telecom communication in the state was available only in Hindi and English. With this directive, all official SMS updates regarding recharges, billing, and network alerts will soon be available in Nepali, along with support from call centres.
The DoT has cautioned operators against delays, noting that strict monitoring will be carried out by the Licensed Service Area (LSA) office. Non-compliance could invite regulatory action. Officials confirmed that subscribers in Sikkim should begin receiving Nepali-language telecom communications by early October 2025, marking a significant step in preserving cultural identity and enhancing accessibility for local users.