First off, an apology for the ever so slight late posting of this business, I was busy, and I truly hope it won't happen again.

Order, Order!

We turn now to a vote SB231, in the name of Alba Còmhla. The question is that this Committee approves the amendment of the Nepali Language and Culture (Scotland) Bill.

Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain. Attempts to stylise a vote may result in it not being counted. Where there is mix-up with an alternative voting style, this shall also be accepted.

Nepali Language and Culture (Scotland) Bill

A

BILL

TO

make provision for the promotion of learning and teaching of Nepali language and culture in Scottish schools and universities, and to facilitate the mobility of students, teachers, researchers, and professionals between Scotland and Nepal..

BE IT ENACTED by being passed by the Scotland Parliament and assented to by His Majesty as follows:

Part 1: General Provisions

Section 1: Definitions

In this Act–

(1) “the Scottish Ministers” means the members of the Scottish Government who are appointed under section 44(1) of the Scotland Act 1998;

(2) “Nepali” means the Indo-Aryan language native to the Himalayas region of South Asia, which is the official language of Nepal and has official status in some parts of India;

(3) “Nepalese” means relating to or originating from Nepal;

(4) “Nepal” means the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal;

(5) “Scottish Qualifications Authority” means the body corporate established under section 1(1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1996

Part 2: Learning and teaching of Nepali

Section 3: Curriculum for Excellence

(1) The Scottish Ministers must ensure that Nepali is included as an option in the curriculum for excellence for learners in secondary and post-secondary education.

(2) The Scottish Ministers must issue guidance to education authorities on how to implement Nepali as an option in the curriculum for excellence.

(3) The guidance issued under subsection (2) must include:

(a) advice on how to provide appropriate learning materials, resources, and support for Nepali;

(b) advice on how to assess the progress and attainment of learners in Nepali;

(c) advice on how to promote Nepali as a subject of choice among learners, parents, carers, and educators; and

(d) advice on how to encourage learners to continue studying Nepali beyond compulsory education.

Section 4: National qualifications

(1) The Scottish Qualifications Authority must develop national qualifications in Nepali for learners in secondary education.

(2) The national qualifications developed under subsection (1) must include:

(a) National 3, National 4, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications;

(b) qualifications that are compatible with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework;

(c) qualifications that are recognised by higher education institutions, employers, and other relevant bodies.

(3) The Scottish Qualifications Authority must consult with relevant stakeholders before developing national qualifications under subsection (1).

(4) The Scottish Qualifications Authority must publish the national qualifications developed under subsection (1) on its website.

Section 5: Higher education

(1) The Scottish Ministers must encourage higher education institutions to offer courses in Nepali language and culture at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may provide funding or other support to higher education institutions for the purposes of subsection (1).

(3) The Scottish Ministers must consult with relevant stakeholders before providing funding or other support under subsection (2).

Part 3: Mobility between Scotland and Nepal

Section 6: Student exchange programmes

(1) The Scottish Ministers must establish student exchange programmes between schools and universities in Scotland and Nepal.

(2) The student exchange programmes established under subsection (1) must aim to:

(a) provide opportunities for Scottish students to study Nepali language and culture in Nepal;

(b) provide opportunities for Nepalese students to study English language and culture in Scotland;

(c) enhance the intercultural competence and global citizenship skills of Scottish and Nepalese students;

(d) foster long-term academic partnerships and friendships between Scottish and Nepalese institutions.

Section 7: Teacher exchange programmes

(1) The Scottish Ministers must establish teacher exchange programmes between schools and universities in Scotland and Nepal.

(2) The teacher exchange programmes established under subsection (1) must aim to:

(a) provide opportunities for Scottish teachers to teach English language and culture in Nepal;

(b) provide opportunities for Nepalese teachers to teach Nepali language and culture in Scotland;

(c) enhance the professional development and intercultural competence of Scottish and Nepalese teachers;

(d) foster long-term educational partnerships and collaborations between Scottish and Nepalese schools and universities.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may provide funding or other support to schools and universities for the purposes of subsection (1).

(4) The Scottish Ministers must consult with relevant stakeholders before providing funding or other support under subsection (3).

Section 8: Research exchange programmes

(1) The Scottish Ministers must establish research exchange programmes between research institutions and organisations in Scotland and Nepal..

(2) The research exchange programmes established under subsection (1) must aim to:

(a) provide opportunities for Scottish researchers to conduct research on Nepali language, culture, society, environment, and development in Nepal;

(b) provide opportunities for Nepalese researchers to conduct research on Scottish language, culture, society, environment, and development in Scotland;

(c) enhance the academic excellence and innovation of Scottish and Nepalese research;

(d) foster long-term research partnerships and networks between Scottish and Nepalese research institutions and organisations.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may provide funding or other support to research institutions and organisations for the purposes of subsection (1).

(4) The Scottish Ministers must consult with relevant stakeholders before providing funding or other support under subsection (3).

Section 9: Professional exchange programmes

(1) The Scottish Ministers must establish professional exchange programmes between public and private sector organisations in Scotland and Nepal.

(2) The professional exchange programmes established under subsection (1) must aim to:

(a) provide opportunities for Scottish professionals to work in Nepali language, culture, trade, tourism, and development sectors in Nepal;

(b) provide opportunities for Nepalese professionals to work in Scottish language, culture, trade, tourism, and development sectors in Scotland;

(c) enhance the skills, knowledge, and employability of Scottish and Nepalese professionals;

(d) foster long-term business partnerships and cooperation between Scottish and Nepalese public and private sector organisations.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may provide funding or other support to public and private sector organisations for the purposes of subsection (1).

(4) The Scottish Ministers must consult with relevant stakeholders before providing funding or other support under subsection (3).

Part 4: Miscellaneous

Section 10: Short title and commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Nepali Language and Culture (Scotland) Act 2023.

(2) This Act shall come into force 3 months after Royal Assent.

Section 11: Extent

(1) This Act extends to Scotland only.

This Bill was written by /u/eKyogre, on behalf of Alba Còmhla.

Opening Speech

Ofigear-riaghlaidh, I am honoured to introduce the Nepali Language and Culture (Scotland) Bill to this Parliament. This bill is a landmark legislation that seeks to recognise and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Nepali language and culture in Scotland, and will strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. Nepali is a language of historical, cultural, and linguistic significance in Scotland. It is spoken by over 10,000 people in Scotland, mainly from the Gurkha community, who have made invaluable contributions to our society in various fields, such as the military, health, education, and business. Nepali is also a language of global importance, as it is the official language of Nepal, a country of over 30 million people, and a key partner of Scotland in trade, tourism, and development. Learning Nepali language and culture will bring many educational, social, economic, and cultural benefits to Scottish learners, educators, and citizens. It will enhance their communication skills, intercultural competence, and global citizenship. It will open up new opportunities for academic exchange, professional development, and business collaboration. It will also enrich their appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the world. This bill will promote the learning and teaching of Nepali language and culture in Scottish schools and universities, by ensuring that Nepali is included as an option in the curriculum for excellence, by developing national qualifications in Nepali for secondary education, and by encouraging higher education institutions to offer courses in Nepali at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This bill will also facilitate the mobility of students, teachers, researchers, and professionals between Scotland and Nepal, by establishing exchange programmes between schools, universities, research institutions, and public and private sector organisations in both countries. These exchange programmes will provide opportunities for mutual learning, collaboration, and friendship between Scottish and Nepalese people. This bill is a testament to our commitment to support linguistic diversity and intercultural dialogue in Scotland. It is also a reflection of our vision to foster a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable society for all. I urge this Parliament to support this bill and to join us in celebrating the Nepali language and culture in Scotland.

Amendments

A01 (in the name of /u/Frost_Walker2017)

Strike Section 1 and renumber subsequent sections

EN: We don't need 'general provisions' in legislation. The legislation should reflect that in its contents.

A02 (in the name of /u/Frost_Walker2017)

Amend Section 8(2) to read:

(2) This Act shall come into force upon the commencement of the 2024/2025 academic year

EN: Changes to the education system ought to be done by academic years to allow schools the time to prepare rather than having to change things midway through the year and risk creating problems with pre-planned curriculae.

A03 (in the name of /u/model-avtron)

Amend Part 4 to be named "Miscellaneous"

Link to Stage 1 Debate

Voting on this bill will end at the close of business on the 14th of July at 10pm BST