Kathmandu, October 29:

CPN-UML has welcomed the government recognition of Nepal Sambat as a national calendar terming it as a significant achievement.

This is people’s victory and a symbol of tireless effort, the UML said in a press statement issued here today.

“This calendar got national recognition after the peaceful people’s movement successfully eliminated monarchy and declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic. The coalition government made a historic declaration,” the release added.

The UML has also lauded national luminary Shankhadhar Shakhwa, founder of Nepal Sambat, who rid Nepali people of their debts.

“From the very beginning, the UML has been seriously studying to recognise Nepal Sambat as a national calendar. Efforts for this were made since as early as 1955 and a struggle committee was formed in 1980 to get government recognition,” the UML said.The UML has also greeted the Nepalis on the occasion of the New Year of the Nepal Sambat 1129. Several programmes were organised across the Valley to celebrate the New Year.