HETAUDA: The Office of the Communication Registrar of Province 3 on Thursday organised an orientation programme for journalists with an objective to educate them about a newly installed Communication Management and Information Systems (CMIS) software, in Hetauda.

According to the Registrar's Office, working journalists of the province can apply for press card online through the software.

During the event, Surendra Karki, Officer at the Registrar's Office, demonstrated the procedures of applying for the card in the software. Likewise, Press Registrar of Province-3 Rewati Sapkota interacted with the participants.

Internal Affairs and Law Minister Shalikram Jamarkattel said the Press Registrar's Office has been issuing independent press cards to journalists fulfilling a set of eligibility criteria. He also said that the province has been exercising federalism through the press registrar's office in the nation.

The Press Registrar's Office is preparing to provide pension to a senior journalist, accidental insurance for working journalists, financial support to ailing journalists and organise programmes for women journalists to enhance their capability, Registrar Rewati Sapkota informed.

According to Sapkota, the Registrar's Office would also play an intermediary role between media houses and journalists for the implementation of the Working Journalist Act.

With the installation of the new software, journalists working in Province 3 can upload their details in the web application online and would receive their press pass in their own district without having to travel to Kathmandu or Hetauda, according to Registrar Sapkota.

The press card would be printed in two languages -- English and Nepali -- containing detailed information of the applicant.

Chairperson of the Nepal Journalists Forum Hari Humagain expressed satisfaction over the steps incorporated by the Press Registrar's Office in the province.