Kathmandu, September 22:

Kirti Nidhi Bista, the vice-chairman of council of ministers, today gave away Gopal Das Journalism Award 2062 to senior journalist Mani Raj Upadhaya at a programme organised to mark the 36th anniversary of the Press Council nepal. The award carries a purse of Rs 40,000 along with a letter of appreciation. Speaking on the occasion, Bista said journalism sector saw a tremendous growth after the restoration of democracy in 1990 but it still needs to develop professionalism.

Tanka Dhakal, minister for information and communication, said that country’s leadership was not transferred from one generation to the other thereby becoming a constraint to the development of the country. Dhakal claimed that there was no censorship in the media after the lifting of the state of emergency. He also released the 30th annual report of the council.

On the occasion, various employees of the council were also acknowledged for their contribution to the press council.