Minister for Information and Communications, Krishna Bahadur Mahara

Minister for Information and Communications, Krishna Bahadur Mahara (File Photo)
Minister for Information and Communications, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, has said that the right to information bill will be tabled in the parliament very soon.

Addressing a function organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists to mark the World Press Freedom Day on Thursday, Minister Mahara said, “The bill is going to be sent to the Parliament after the Council of Ministers holds discussion on it. The ministry has added some new provisions in the proposed draft.”

He further informed that some more press-related laws were also being drafted.

“We are doing all for the sake of press freedom,” he said, adding, “Journalists should continue their struggle for press freedom.”

Speaking at the same programme, UML leader Raghuji Panta said that the government should be more media-friendly.

“The press can survive without politicians but parties cannot survive without the support of the media,” Panta added.

Former FNJ president Harihar Birahi demanded that the government fully implement the Working Journalists’ Act to protect press freedom.

The FNJ honoured Bhairav Risal, Durga Baral and Ram Rijhan Yadav with the Soldiers of Press Freedom award.

Harsha Subba and DR Ghimire were honoured with Sridhar Acharya Press Award. The FNJ also launched its annual report on the status of press freedom on the same occasion.