Media’s role vital to strengthen democracy: Speaker Ghimire

BHAKTAPUR: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said the role of media is significant to strengthen democracy.
Taking part in the “lawmakers-media dialogue” concluded in Nagarkot of Bhaktapur today, he said the practice of journalism within the democratic frame will contribute to promote democracy. “An effective parliament is required to strengthen democracy and media and journalists are warranted to play a role of watchdog to ensure the presence of such parliament,” the Speaker said.

He reminded the media of its first responsibility to disseminate credible and fact-based news. According to him, parliament needs constructive support from media to improve its performance. Stating that at present the House is dedicating time to discuss about various bills, he said this information should be reached among the public. Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar requested journalists to be responsible while acting as parliamentary reporters.

Federal Parliament Secretariat Secretary-General Padma Prasad Pandey said interaction was fruitful for him to realise about issues that the Secretariat should address.

Journalists attending the event were of the view that political parties, legislators and the government should be responsible towards parliament.

Parliament Secretariat Secretary Dr Rojnath Pandey, senior journalists Hari Bahadur Thapa and Jagat Nepal presented papers on parliamentary reporting and practices. Journalists from the parliamentary reporting beat attended the two-day event.