Time to connect journalists to social security fund: Secretary Aryal

Morang: Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Radhika Aryal, said the government was readying a policy to link journalists with the social security fund.

During an orientation and discussion organized by the federal ministry on issues relating to online media, YouTube and journalism here Friday, Secretary Aryal said the government was sensitive to the safety of journalists. The government has begun providing incentives to journalists for their role in raising public awareness through the news.

On the occasion, the chief of the District Coordination Committee, Ajambar Rai, urged the journalists to raise people’s voices to resolve their problems.

Chief District Officer of Morang, Indra Dev Yadav, viewed journalism as a mirror of society, which could bring to light factual news.

Chairperson of Koshi chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bharat Khadka, and Morang Chair of FNJ, Sushila Pathak, drew the government’s attention towards journalists’ safety.

Other speakers at the programme raised issues like non-payment and delayed payment to working journalists by the private media, the need for adherence to journalists’ code of conduct, and impactful journalism for socioeconomic transformation.