Kathmandu: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has unanimously endorsed the proposal seeking consideration on the ‘Mass Communications Council Bill, 2081’.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung responded to queries raised on the bill, stating that the proposed council would enhance the effectiveness of the Press Council’s work. He mentioned that further discussions would be held regarding the council’s authorities, code of conduct, and actions. Minister Gurung emphasized that the council is envisioned as an independent and dignified institution and accepted the views expressed by lawmakers during the theoretical discussion.
Initially registered as the Media Council bill, it has now been introduced as the ‘Mass Communications Council Bill’. Minister Gurung noted that the bill is necessary for implementing the National Mass Communications Policy-2073 BS. Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed lawmakers that they could submit amendment proposals to the Bill Section at Singhadurbar.
Lawmakers voiced the need for a Mass Communications Council to be more managed and powerful than the current Press Council. They believe the bill will promote journalism as a clean and dignified profession. The bill, which originated in the National Assembly, was presented today in the HoR by Minister Gurung.
During deliberations, lawmakers advocated for an agency that is more potent than the existing Press Council. The law aims to establish a Media Council to uphold professional conduct in journalism by fostering healthy, independent, dignified, and responsible journalism.
Lawmaker Raghujee Pant argued for a powerful and authoritative council, criticizing the Press Council’s ineffectiveness in determining code of conduct violations. He insisted that the Council should not be a section of the Communications Ministry. He recalled past arrangements where a Supreme Court Justice was appointed to the Press Council and criticized the current structure.
Lawmaker Surya Bahadur Thapa highlighted the increasing misuse of the communications sector, emphasizing the need for a council to ensure ethical, healthy, and credible journalism. Gyan Bahadur Shahi noted that provisions for financial grants and foreign funding in media conflict with other national laws.
Other speakers included Kiran Kumar Shah, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Ranju Kumari Jha, Bimala Subedi, Dr. Chandra Karki, Shishir Khanal, Ishwari Devi Neupane, Madhav Sapkota, Thakur Prasad Gaire, and Metmani Chaudhary, among others.