KATHMANDU: Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha has said journalism has an important role to play in the promotion of democracy and development of the nation.

Addressing the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Press Council Nepal here today, he said media should play a paramount role for the success of democracy.

The development of the media in Nepal is moving ahead rapidly, CJ Shrestha said, adding that the media has played key role in institutionalising important achievements of the big political changes that have occurred in the country.

“Media should not only disseminate news and information, it should also become the change agent. The Press Council plays a vital role in making the media dignified and qualitative,” he said.

Minister for Information and Communications Minendra Rijal, on the occasion, described the press sector as an important component of society and stressed the need of making it dignified.

Stating the Nepali people have got a constitution framed by their representatives nearly after seven decades’ efforts, Minister Rijal underlined the need of institutionalising this achievement.

Chairman of the Press Council Nepal, Borna Bahadur Karki, said since the council is the regulatory body of the entire media sector; it has taken cognizance of the problem and the pain of the media and people working in this sector.