KATHMANDU: Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairperson Subas Chandra Nembang has pledged to ensure a strong base to guarantee press freedom in the new constitution.

Receiving a memorandum from the National Print Media Network on Saturday, the CA Chair urged media to be confident that the new constitution will create a base for guaranteeing press freedom.

Stating that national print media had an important role in restoring democracy with the ousting of autocracy in the country, he assured that the new constitution will institutionalise achievements of democratic movements in the country.

He added that feedback on the constitution draft given with good intentions will be addressed while amending the first integrated draft of the new constitution.

On the occasion, Network Chairperson Dev Prakash Tripathi said the memorandum was submitted for corrections in some points in the draft.

"We want the new constitution should have a policy of promoting press rather than controlling it," he said, adding that some points regarding press incorporated in the draft are not press-friendly.

The Network demanded that the new constitution should recognise press as the 'fourth estate' to develop and promote responsible, fair and positive journalism.