Kathmandu, August 19

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today asked all government bodies to respect citizens’ right to information.

Speaking at a programme held to mark 12th National Information Day organised by National Information Commission here today, PM Oli said that there was no point in accusing the government of hiding information.

“We wrote the constitution, and made rules for the government to ensure accountability and transparency. So it is baseless to say that the government is hiding information.” He also said the government needed time to make public information regarding some Cabinet decisions.

PM Oli further said, “With rights come responsibilities and I would like to request all to be clear about it. No one can invade the privacy of others while enjoying the right to information.”

Similarly, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota said  mass media, especially online media, should not misuse right of information. “Although the constitution guarantees the right to information, mass media should respect the spirit of the constitution, which prohibits disclosure of sensitive information.”

Article 27 of constitution of the country has provisioned right to information under fundamental rights which states, “Every citizen shall have the right to seek information on any matter of concern to her/him or the public.” The constitution, however, prohibits publication or broadcasting of any information that may  jeopardise the sovereignty , integrity, national security, public peace, stability and international relations of Nepal. Likewise, any information which may affecting an ongoing investigation, inquiry and prosecution of crimes may also be withheld.

Similarly, Article 28, has a provision to right to privacy, which states that privacy in relation to the person, and their residence, property, documents, records, statistics and correspondence, and their reputation are inviolable.