Karnali: Chief Minister of Karnali Province Government Yamlal Kandel has said that the role of the state was vital for the security of the media persons. Addressing the Journalist Health Insurance Policy Handover programme organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province today, the Chief Minister said journalism was not only a challenging job but a pillar for democracy.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chief Minister Kandel emphasized that journalism is a profession dedicated to seeking truth and sensitizing public opinions. He highlighted the importance of the state’s involvement in ensuring the security and protection of journalists who undertake such a sensitive duty. The Chief Minister noted that openness, mutual respect, and cooperation between the state and media fraternity are essential.
The health insurance programme was described as the state’s realization towards journalists’ security and a commitment towards democratic norms and human rights. The Karnali Province Government has offered a health insurance policy for free to a total of 693 active journalists from the Karnali Province. This initiative is in partnership with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Karnali Province Committee and involves an agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law and the National Insurance Company Limited.
As per the scheme, insured journalists could receive healthcare services of up to Rs 70,000 in a year.