Koshi: Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has emphasized the necessity of practicing journalism grounded in facts and credibility. He underscored the importance of media operating in the interests of the nation, society, and citizens.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chief Minister Karki made these remarks while launching the ‘Journalist Accident Insurance’ event organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in Koshi Province. He highlighted that fair and responsible journalism could contribute to strengthening society further. The Chief Minister urged insurance companies to ensure that injured journalists receive insurance facilities through a convenient and hassle-free process. Additionally, he committed that budgetary constraints would not impede the Province Communications Academy from implementing programs benefiting journalists.
The Chief Minister further stated that insurance companies play a vital role in supporting the business community and promoting retention within the industry. Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Gombu Sherpa, also expressed that the accident insurance program would benefit the insured, given the challenges faced in the journalism profession.
He mentioned that the province government has agreed to pay the insurance premiums for 1,200 journalists for one year, with assurances that the program would continue if the FNJ identified a need. Key figures such as FNJ Koshi Province President Bharat Khadka, FNJ central member Kamal Rimal, FNF Koshi Province Vice President Kumod Adhikari, Morang Chapter President Sushila Pathak, Rastriya Beema Company Limited Manager Niranjan Acharya, and the company’s Koshi Province Chief Rajendra Maharjan shared their perspectives on journalists’ rights and the effectiveness of the insurance facility.