KATHMANDU: With a click of the mouse Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokhrel inaugurated the online portal of Music Nepal (www.musicnepal.com) on January 5.

Piracy is a big threat to musicians and artistes globally and this point was highlighted at the launch.

“There are many websites that provide free music and video downloads. With the tradition of piracy, our online portal might not be effective as users have to pay for downloads and other features. I request the government to come with an effective plan and lend us support in our quest against piracy,” said Santosh Sharma, Executive Director of Music Nepal.

There are 8,200 songs available on website, which can be downloaded

besides ring tones, wallpapers and

music videos.

Prominent lyricist Kali Prasad Rijal

said such an initiative by Music

Nepal was praise worthy, and that it

had widened the horizon for Nepali artistes and musicians.

Voicing his concerns regarding piracy he said, “Artistes do get applauds for

their work and creativity but a sad story unfolds. Due to piracy, artistes do not even get back the minimum amount of his/her investment.”

Prominent actor Hari Bansha Acharya said, “It is imperative that we think of ways to stop piracy,” adding that individuals must learn to be responsible.

Minister Pokhrel said he felt more responsible after participating in the programme and assured that he and his ministry would come up with effective programmes to support and safeguard the identity of artistes.