President applauds role of press for democracy

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has applauded the role of Press in the establishment of the democratic republic.

Speaking at an inaugural session of the Central General Assembly of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in Birendranagar of Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province today, She said the Press had its significant presence in various movements for system change in the nation.

 “Challenges have increased for institutionalizing achievements from such changes,” the President said, adding that the Press role is vital in this context.

“The media should be free and there should be no intervention from the State in the Press,” the President insisted, wising for the success of the event to establish decent journalism.

On the occasion, the President inaugurated the event and the newly established central office of the Mid-West University.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, said the Centre was yet to notice the essence and potentiality of the Karnali. As he said, the Centre still ignores to recognize the Karnali.

CPN (UML) general secretary Shankar Pokhrel said the Press had always contributed to resoling the national issues each time.

CPN (Maoist Centre) vice chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara recalled the moment when he worked in the interest of working journalists as the communications minister 15 years ago.

Talking about the national political scenario he said no political agreement had reached in regard with formation of a new government.

CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jagannath Khatiwada said the press role was vital in coping with any political crisis in the nation.

FNJ former Chair Harihar Birahi spoke the need of more reforms in the communications sector while another former Chair Kishore Nepal claimed the political parties and Nepal’s political system failed to catch the spirit of the Constitution.

On the occasion, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Chair and FNJ former president Dharmendra Jha was honoured with the ‘Krishna Prasad Bhattarai National Journalism Award’ carrying a purse of Rs 100 thousands.

Likewise, Surkhet’s Maya Thapa won the ‘Gauri Kathayat Memorial Journalism Award’ with a purse of Rs 20,000.

Around two dozens of journalists received various awards on the occasion of the General Assembly.

Press Union central chair Shiva Lamsal, Press Chautari chair Ganesh Basnet, Press Centre chair Bishnu Prasad Sapkota and Socialist Journalists Association chair Bishwamani Subedi wished for the success of the event.

A total of 750 media representatives are attending the two-day gathering.