KATHMANDU, MARCH 30
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said the incumbent government is committed to press freedom and freedom of expression.
At a programme on 'Impact of COVID-19 on journalists and media' organised on the occasion of 67th anniversary of Federation of Nepali Journalists here today, Minister Karki said that democracy and press freedom were integral. Urging the media sector to play an active role to institutionalise democracy and strengthen it, he lauded the role played by the overall sector of journalism to establish democratic federal republic and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Karki opined that the incumbent government was committed to ensuring press freedom and safety of journalists at a time when the constitution of Nepal had ensured press freedom and right to information as fundamental rights. He mentioned that the government had established Journalist Welfare Fund of Rs 53.2 million with the objective of helping senior journalists in their livelihood, adding that the arrangement of national journalism award of Rs 100,000 had also been made for six journalists and media.
"An arrangement has been made where two journalists will be honoured with Rs 200,000 and letter of felicitation every year as well as one per cent customs duty on papers imported by media houses to print news," he shared. Minister Karki further said the government was making preparation to carry out all the activities related to journalism and mass media through the medium of information technology from the upcoming fiscal year and discussion was under way to give final shape to a media related bill.
He also sought suggestions on different issues, including finalisation of the draft of national mass communication act, issues raised by stakeholders over recent amendment to national broadcasting regulations, free treatment to journalists, implementation of journalists welfare fund and establishment of mass communication academy.
On the occasion, FNJ President Bipul Pokharel said the issues of press freedom and working journalists were raised simultaneously, demanding to make media-friendly laws by holding enough discussion with stakeholders.
The FNJ organised morning rally, futsal competition, interactions on different issues related to media, blood donation and health camp on the occasion.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 31, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
