Government Committed to press freedom: Minister Karki

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, pointed out the need of changing Gorkhaparta with quality and relevant content to compete in the digital market.

Addressing the programme organised on the occasion of 122nd years of Gorkhapatra Publication and the 60th anniversary of Gorkhapatra Corporation, here today, Minister Karki urged Gorkhapatra management to make readers confident that it has the role in preserving history and national glory as well as in propelling social transformation.

He shared, “Gorkhapatra is said to have taken measures for a smart journey. It cannot be cherished just merely scribing editorial and making documents. The government is always with Gorkhapatra to put it into practice. Employees should involve responsibility for the same.”

Also the Spokesperson of the government, Minister Karki expressed the belief that the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government would always stand with determination to protect press freedom, and freedom of expression, adding the incumbent government was well-known and aware of the problems and opportunities in the journalism sector.

The Minister urged all journalists to develop and dignify constitution-envisaged freedom of press and freedom of expression as the best one in South Asia.

Lauding that Gorkhapattra Corporation which published the first paper in the country was a glorious organization, Minister Karki said that debates had started on how to take forward Gorkhapattra in the coming days.

“Our society understands Gorkhapatra as an institution of pride. The Gorkhapattra that has been continuously in publication for such a long time and has stood firm like a mountain through various periods of history,” observed Minister Karki, commending Gorkhapatra as the heritage of rich literature and linguistic diversity.

According to the Minister, Gorkhapattra had seen both controlled and open society and stood the test of time. “Gorkhapattra has been a witness of political, social and cultural changes in Nepal.”