On 71st Anniversary, Press Federation Chairperson Sharma Expresses Confidence in Government to Enact Media-Related Laws
March 30, Kathmandu – The Nepal Press Union, the common institution representing Nepali journalists, is celebrating its 71st founding anniversary today. On this occasion, the union has organized various programs across the Kathmandu Valley and nationwide. President Nirmala Sharma issued a message highlighting the responsibility of accountable journalism. She appealed to everyone to ensure the public’s right to accurate information and to fulfill the role expected by society.
With a history spanning seven decades, established as the country’s oldest and leading civil organization, the union has continuously worked to protect press and expression freedom while dedicating itself to the welfare of working journalists, President Sharma stated in her congratulatory message. “We are prioritizing efforts to establish strong democracy and the rule of law through professional and accountable journalism,” she wrote in the message. “The union has played a prominent role in protecting human rights, safeguarding citizens’ right to accurate information, and addressing public interest issues.”
Emphasizing that journalists and journalism are inherently linked to democracy, President Sharma said, “In some instances, it may be necessary to express opinions on public interest matters beyond professional responsibilities.” She added, “It is our duty to resist any attempts by any arm or level of the state to curtail or control constitutionally guaranteed press and expression freedoms under any pretext.” “Even a decade after the implementation of the democratic constitution, incidents compromising press freedom are increasing, and the union remains committed to opposing such violations,” she stressed.
Following the recently concluded House of Representatives election, the union has expressed confidence in the newly formed government holding nearly a two-thirds majority to end the longstanding political instability. Likewise, President Sharma urged the government to bring forward media-related and other essential laws after consulting with the union and stakeholders, as these have long been pending. She also highlighted the need to boost morale by ensuring compensation for media houses and journalists who suffered during the Janjati movement struggles and various accidents, based on data collected by the union.
With the advancement of information technology, the use of social media has increased the challenge of the spread of misinformation. In this context, President Sharma stated it is the union’s responsibility to uphold its dignity and bring the legacy to new heights by practising responsible journalism. She further noted that the union is actively working to strengthen relationships with national and international organizations to ensure the physical and professional safety of journalists. Additionally, she informed that the union has initiated efforts to include all media outlets and working journalists in the Social Security Fund.
