Kathmandu, August 4:

The task force formed to amend the Working Journalists Bill presented its report to the Environment, Communication and Technology Committee today.

The task force has said in its report that journalists working on contract should be given facilities on a par with those having permanent status. It has sought the formation of a panel to fix minimum salaries for journalists.

It has called for the provision of treatment of and compensation for working journalists, who sustain injuries while at work and recommended training for journalists. Head of the task force, CPN-UML MP Raghuji Panta, said that the government should go for effective implementation once the Bill turns into an Act. During the meeting of the committee, Information Minister KB Mahara said the Working Journalists’ Act will take full shape once the recommendations made by the task force are incorporated.