Speaker Ghimire emphasizes journalism based on investigation

Kathmandu: Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire said that journalism should be based on research and investigation, urging journalists to do journalism in the best interests of the country and its people.

At a program organized by the International Network for Nepali Journalists (INNJA) on its anniversary, Speaker Ghimire asserted that although journalism was oriented towards democracy and republic in the past, the role and responsibility of the journalism sector has changed with the change in the governance system.

Ghimire said, “The journalism sector that has significantly contributed to bringing about positive changes in the country should be taken forward ensuring support at policy level and practically. The role of journalism is important in making parliament and government effectiveness.”

On the occasion, Jagat Nepal, assistant professor of Tribhuvan University, and Madhav Tiwari, editor of Dainiki.com, were feted with INNJA Intellectual Award while INNJA Investigative Journalism Award was presented to Matrika Dahal of the Kantipur Daily and Tara Wagle of INS.com.

Similarly, INNJA Rural Journalism Award has conferred on Sarita Chalaune of Radio Samagra FM 107 megahertz and Suresh Kumar Shrestha and Narendra Shrestha were awarded INNJA Photo Journalism Award.

All awards carry a purse of Rs 50,000 each.

On the occasion, senior journalists Raghu Mainali and Kumar Yatru, custodian of the Editors’ Society Nepal Kiran Baidya and chairperson of the Jagaran Media Centre Kamala Bishwokarma were honored with the ‘INJA Senior Journalist Award’.

Similarly, Shankar Bhattarai, Bijaya Shah, and Pradip Gurung were awarded the ‘INJA Special Award’ for their contribution to society.

On the occasion, Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal Bal Krishna Basnet praised the INJA for its contributions to the welfare of journalists.

Similarly, the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Bipul Pokharel complained that the government has failed to prioritise and address problems facing the Nepali press.

Other speakers, Chairperson of the Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee Sangita Khadka, President of the Nepal Press Union Shiva Lamsal, Chairperson of the Press Chautari Nepal, Ganesh Basnet, Chairperson of the Revolutionary Journalist Association Bishnu Sapkota, Chairperson of the Socialist Press Organisation, Shambhu Shrestha and Chairperson of the Sancharika Samuha, Bimala Tumkhewa lauded the INJA for being free of political influences.

Also, the Chairperson of the INJA, Global and Asia, Gunaraj Luitel and Tanka Panta respectively said the INJA had been working for enriching and promoting Nepali journalists.