Government committed to protecting press freedom, says Minister Sharma

KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that democracy will not be complete without freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day today, Minister Sharma has recalled the contributions of all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggles waged for freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

Minister Sharma has stated that the government was committed to protecting and implementing complete press freedom, which is stated in the preamble of the Constitution of Nepal.

In her message, Minister Sharma shared that the government has been working in the drafting and review of media-related laws since last year to ensure further press freedom.

The government has given priority to drafting laws in a transparent and democratic process by taking feedback from stakeholders and citizens, according to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

Likewise, she has shared that the Media Council Bill, which is focused on the promotion of self-regulation of mass media, was registered in the Federal Parliament recently.

Minister Sharma has also said that the government is closely watching the concerns of national and international organizations active in the field of press freedom.

In her message, Minister Sharma has expressed a firm determination for the professional and physical security of journalists and added that the government is committed to ensuring the rights of working journalists as per the legal process and facilitating to end labor issues seen in different media houses.