‘Govt for making new acts, amendments to old ones’

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) has made a stride by formally launching the 24-hour news service- extension from the current 17 hours.     

“Although it is not a huge achievement, it’s a good beginning for a reform campaign. It counts a lot; we’ve made a stride indeed,” remarked Minister Gurung inaugurating the 24-hour Nepali news service at RSS in its central office on Monday.

The Minister advised the RSS to prioritise issues of social justice by writing news regarding people in far-flung areas. He also directed the RSS for structural reform and capacity building of the employees.     

On the occasion, he shared information on the development being made in the front of policy and law-making. The government has prioritized making new acts and amendments to old ones in 100 days of its office, Gurung pointed out.     

“The bill ranging from the issues focusing on regulation and management of social networks; IT and cyber security; mass communications; and film were being prepared,” he said. “Even the work for standard on the operation of data centre and email use at government office were going on so that they would be presented in the Cabinet meeting before mid-October.” 

Moreover, preparations were afoot to endorse regulation on security printing by mid-September. The old laws do not work to address new contexts and problems, so they need timeliness and relevance, pointed out Communication Minister, who is also the spokesperson of the government.     

He said that his attention was drawn towards the demand of the establishment of a mass communications academy and incorporation of journalists in the social security scheme.     

The Public Service Broadcasting Bill was endorsed by the related parliamentary committee, and the Media Council Bill is in line, the minister shared.     

On a different note, Minister Gurung made it clear that he had only spoken about the Chief of Nepal Police in relation to the past context at a programme in Pokhara city. “I had said all bodies of the State should cooperate well for effective implementation of the federalism,” he added.     

Similarly, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal suggested RSS reach people from far-flung areas by enhancing its quality and effectiveness. She expressed happiness over the RSS’ expansion of service from the current 17 to 24 hours.” Reach factual news to people and government being responsible,” she added.