Kathmandu: Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Radhika Aryal, announced that the government is preparing a policy to integrate journalists into the social security fund. This declaration was made during an orientation and discussion session hosted by the federal ministry, focusing on the challenges and issues surrounding online media, YouTube, and journalism.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Secretary Aryal emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists. As part of this commitment, the government has initiated the provision of incentives to journalists, recognizing their critical role in promoting public awareness through news dissemination.
During the event, Ajambar Rai, Chief of the District Coordination Committee, encouraged journalists to amplify public concerns and contribute to problem-solving. Chief District Officer of Morang, Indra Dev Yadav, highlighted the role of journalism as a societal mirror, capable of illuminating factual news to the public.
Bharat Khadka, Chairperson of the Koshi chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, along with Sushila Pathak, Morang Chair of FNJ, called for increased government attention to journalists’ safety. Other speakers at the program addressed issues such as non-payment and delayed payment to journalists by private media outlets, the necessity of upholding the journalist’s code of conduct, and the importance of impactful journalism for driving socioeconomic transformation.