KATHMANDU: Communications and Information Technology Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said the incumbent government is committed to freedom of the press and freedom of expression (FoE).

Speaking at a program on “Impact of COVID-19 on Journalists and Media” organized on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Minister Karki shared that democracy and freedom of the press are an integral part of each other.

Urging the media sector to play a more active role in institutionalizing democracy and making it stronger, he commended the role played by the entire journalism sector in establishing a democratic federal republic, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. 19.

Also government spokesperson, Minister Karki said the current government is committed to respecting press freedom and the safety of journalists at a time when Nepal’s constitution guarantees press freedom and the right to information as fundamental rights. He mentioned that the government had set up the Rs 53.2 million Journalist Welfare Fund with the aim of helping seasoned journalists earn a living, adding that an arrangement for a national journalism award of Rs 100,000 had also granted to six journalists and media.

An arrangement was reached whereby two journalists would be honored with Rs 200,000 and a congratulatory letter each year as well as a 1% customs duty on newspapers imported by the media house to print news, said he shared.

Minister Karki further stated that the government is preparing to carry out all activities related to journalists and mass media through information technology from the coming fiscal year and that discussions are under way. ongoing to give the final form to the draft media law.

He also sought input on different issues, including the finalization of the National Mass Communication Bill, issues raised by stakeholders regarding recent amendments to the National Broadcasting Regulations, free treatment for journalists, the establishment of a welfare fund for journalists and the creation of a mass communication system. academy.

On this occasion, FNJ President, Bipul Pokharel, said that the issues of press freedom and the work of journalists were raised simultaneously, demanding to make media-friendly laws by holding enough discussions with stakeholders.

The JNF had organized a morning rally, a futsal competition, interactions on different issues related to the media, blood donation and a health camp on the occasion of its establishment day.