Free speech, RTI essential to democracy: President Bhandari

Kathmandu: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said Press Council Nepal should make efforts to make media sector resilient and dignified. On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Press Council Nepal on Wednesday, President Bhandari viewed that the Council should become an autonomous and independent body for making media dignified. "Responsible journalism, informed citizenry and accountable government are complements to democracy," she reminded, adding that the weaknesses in media in course of democratic practice would fizzle out.

The President also underscored the need for journalists to adhere to the code of conduct. She expressed worry over the suffering the journalists underwent during the COVID-19. The free speech and right to information are imperative to functional democracy, President Bhandari further asserted.

On the occasion, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, said the media sector in Nepal has been exemplary with the adoption of profession and change brought by the new technology.  "Government is ready to assist in developing and strengthening of media sector," he said, adding that media must be responsible to make the society cultured and disciplined.

Moreover, Secretary at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Dr BaikunthaAryal, said the Ministry would always extend assistance in the bid to make journalism dynamic, fair and credible.

Press Council Chairperson Balkrishna Basnet shared that the Council was continuously working for making journalism dignified and fair.

At the event organised to distribute awards to various journalists, honoured personality Bharat Dutt Koirala, remembered the late Gopal Das Shrestha as the person of high intellect and courage.