Kathmandu, February 23

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Yubaraj Khatiwada has urged media to disseminate positive message to build civilised society. Assuming office as the minister of communications and information technology today, Khatiwada, also the finance minister, stressed the need of informing the public about development works carried out by the government.

He pointed out the need of collaboration between the government and media to lead the country on the path of economic, social and cultural development.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari had entrusted the responsibility of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to Khatiwada on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after Gokul Prasand Baskota resigned from the post on Thursday.

Baskota resigned from the post following the leak of an audiotape, in which, he was heard negotiating kickbacks with the local agent of a Swiss equipment supplier in the government’s security printing press procurement deal.

Communications Minister Khatiwada said, “Some bills related to communications are in the offing. They will be brought only after holding ample discussions with stakeholders. Coordination between the government and media is necessary to make democracy strong along and for effective implementation of federalism.”

Stating that people’s right to information should be guaranteed and media should promote it, he appealed to the media to broadcast and publish only trustworthy news by maintaining discipline and accountability towards general people.

Minister Khatiwada said, “Work performed by the organs of the state should be made transparent through information technology, which will help build prosperous and equitable society.”