KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) — an umbrella organization of working journalists across the country — has demanded an increase in minimum wage of journalists as designated by the Minimum Wage Fixation Committee and its prompt implementation.

FNJ's recent central committee meeting has urged the government to endorse a model law on mass communications drafted by FNJ to guarantee freedom of the press and of expression.

"FNJ strongly demands the federal, provincial and local level governments give uniformity to media-related laws in line with the policy and to ensure formulation of laws friendly to press freedom. The federation draws the attention of the authority concerned to formulate special safety laws for journalists and mass media in a way to exercise the constitutionally-guaranteed full press freedom", reads the minute made public after the meeting.

It was also shared that the FNJ has decided to move ahead effectively bearing in mind the policy priorities and work plans set out in its earlier meetings at Dhulikhel and Janakpur for full implementation of freedom of press and expression and working journalist act.

Noting that some of the provisions of the Civil (Criminal) Code, 2075 BS and Civil (Penal) Code, 2075 BS are not friendly to press freedom and freedom of expression, the FNJ has also called for necessary amendments.

Likewise, the FNJ has demanded the government to effectively enforce a 50 per cent discount to journalists on health services along with health insurance and all other social security-related programmes without any delay.