INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, MARCH 30Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra
Bahadur Karki has said the incumbent government is committed to press freedom and freedom of expression.
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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.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com