BUTWAL: Province 5 has released the draft of its 'Communications Policy, 2075' aiming at developing and promoting media sector in the province.

The draft released by the Internal Affairs and Law Ministry of the province has proposed institutionalisation of citizens' right to expression and right to information by internalising the role of free and responsible mass media, to solidify open, pro-people and accountable state mechanism as envisaged by the Constitution of Nepal.

The draft provisions to protect the independence of mediapersons and promote people's right to information and freedom of expression.

Likewise, access to information in all regions and communities of the province and maintaining of close relationship between the province government and people through media is also proposed in the policy. The policy draft also proposes competitive media of a professional nature and transparency in media investment.

As targeted by the policy, decent and credible media would be ensured through professionalism development in the media, and the sector would be developed into a lucrative one by bringing in skilled and quality human resources.

On the occasion, Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Kul Prasad KC, said that the draft would be passed from the upcoming meeting of the province assembly by holding intensive discussions with mediapersons of all the districts in the province and other stakeholders.

Minister KC added that the province government had no intention to squash media freedom but targets to establish the dignity of media sector.