KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Janardan Sharma has pledged to protect the intellectual property (IP).

Inaugurating the 'Fifth Earth National Folk Duet Song Award' in the Capital on Saturday, Minister Sharma assured to take action against those involved in theft and piracy of intellectual property of creations including songs and lyrics.

He added that the folk songs and folklore have the reflections of the original culture and heritages of the nation and are important to enhance social harmony.

Minister Sharma further insisted the need for protecting the heritages which he argued help people to remain united with their social responsibilities.

Speaking at the programme, Chairperson of Lokdohori Pratishthan and folk singer Badri Pangeni, Pratisthan Ex-Chairperson Prajapati Parajuli noted duet singers Durga Rayamajhi and Geeta Dahal stressed the need for ending corrupt practices propping up in the music sectors.

On the occasion, comedian Sitaram Kattel performed his satirical show.

As part of the programme, different personalities having notable contributions to enrich the folk culture and music sectors are to be honoured. 'Honour to seniors; inspiration to new comers' has been set the slogan of the programme.