KATHMANDU, MARCH 7

Spokesperson for the Government of Nepal and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said the primary task of the government was to complete the peace process.

Inaugurating the two-day national consultation conference of community radios held in Dhading's Galchi, she said that the rest of the work of the peace process would be completed by creating a transitional justice law from the current Parliament session.

Noting that the bill was introduced in the previous Parliament but it was not finalised, she expressed her belief that this time the work of transitional justice would be completed as the major parties had given written commitment for it.

Minister Sharma said the government expected media to play a positive role in this.

Mentioning the historic role of the media in the success of political and social movements, Minister Sharma said the role of FM radio was important in awakening the people of the villages.

She said that this power of the media should now be used to change people's standard of living.

On another topic, Minister Sharma said the government was committed to a balanced foreign policy with all friendly countries, including neighbouring countries. Mentioning that in some cases responsible leaders had made statements against the interest of the country, she said the media should pay attention to such questions and put national interest on top priority.

Stating that although many constitutional and legal changes had been made along with the political changes, their implementation had not gained momentum, she said the media should focus on producing and broadcasting content to generate legal awareness.

The conference organised by Radio Dhading with the support of UNESCO has participants from community radios across the country.

Subas Khatiwada, chairman of the organiser Radio Dhading, informed that there would be group discussions on five topics at the conference. Meanwhile, Minister Rekha Sharma has instructed her party cadres to effectively advance issues related to people's lives.

She gave this instruction in a meeting with party workers of Dhading's Galchi rural municipality and Dhunibesi Municipality. 'We are leading the government, we have also led some provinces including Bagmati', she said, 'We have led many municipalities and ward levels as well, people expect a lot from us at this time.'

She said the main role of conveying the voice of the people to the party and the government belonged to local level leaders and workers.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 8, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.