Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring press freedom, along with safeguarding the rights and occupational safety of journalists. In a recent discussion with office-bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists at the ministry, Minister Kharel expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federation on policy issues.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Kharel assured that the government is prepared to work alongside the Federation to address matters such as enhancing professional skills within the journalism sector and ensuring social security, all through policy-level discussions and agreements. He highlighted the government’s initiative to secure both the professional and physical safety of journalists, announcing the formation of a committee aimed at including media personnel under the scope of contribution-based social security. This initiative is set to begin with implementation in government media outlets.
During the meeting, Federation President Nirmala Sharma emphasized the need for the ministry’s attention toward the professional and physical security of journalists, as well as the importance of policy-level reforms to support the journalism community.