Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom along with the rights and occupational safety of journalists.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a discussion with the office-bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists at the ministry on Monday, Minister Kharel expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federation on policy issues. He emphasized the government’s willingness to work on matters including enhancing professional skills within the journalism sector, ensuring social security, and addressing other concerns through policy-level discussions and agreements.
Minister Kharel announced that the government will initiate measures to ensure both the professional and physical security of journalists. A committee has been established to incorporate media personnel into contribution-based social security, with plans to initially implement this through government media outlets.
Federation President Nirmala Sharma highlighted the need for attention towards the professional and physical security of journalists, as well as the necessity for policy-level reforms.