Role of media important for conducting election: President Bhandari

September 23, Kathmandu: President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has said the role of media will be crucial for conducting the November 20^th federal and provincial election in free, fear-free, and impartial environment.

Addressing an award distribution ceremony at Sheetal Niwas on Thursday, President Bhandari said she would like to see the Nepali media’s role in making the periodic election successful.

In the program organized by Press Council Nepal on its 53^rd anniversary, President Bhandari urged the Press Council to remain alert regarding disinformation saying a practice of misinforming people using new technology had increased.  

Also speaking on the occasion, Communication and Information Technology Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki reiterated the government commitment to holding the upcoming election in a free and fear free environment.

On the occasion, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari handed over the Gopal Das Journalism Award to Senior Journalist Hari Bahadur Thapa. The award carries a purse of 150 thousand rupees and a certificate of appreciation.

Likewise, this year’s Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award was conferred to Senior Journalist Madhav Bhandari Bidrohi. The award carries a purse of 110 thousand rupees.