Chitwan, May 4

The central general meeting of Federation of Nepali Journalists concluded with an 11-point Chitwan declaration today.

At the press meet organised to inform about the central general meeting held at Ratnanagar, FNJ Chairman Mahendra Bista said the meeting was held successfully. Bista added that the meeting had issued a declaration paper pledging full commitment to press freedom, and expression of freedom, and rights of working journalists.

The declaration paper put forward a host of demands including the immediate implementation of Rs 19,500 minimum salary for journalists.

FNJ has warned it will hit the street if the government does not implement the salary of Rs 19,500 fixed by the Minimum Wage Determining Committee.

“We request all and sundry to implement the new constitution and help save the achievements of the various past movements and struggles,” the paper read.

Similarly, the meeting has decided to proceed with health insurance saying that accident insurance had already started in collaboration with the government.

Meanwhile, a proposal to amend the statute came under fire at the meeting.

Following criticism, a decision was taken to form a high level committee for statute amendment. After the statute amendment, a new FNJ convention will be held as per the amended organisational structure.

Progress, organisational and future work plan presented by General Secretary Ujir Magar and Treasurer Suryamani Gautam’s financial report were passed with some suggestions.