Gorkhapatra needs to be transformed into Public Service Print model: Minister Gurung

 Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has emphasized the need to transform Gorkhapatra Corporation into a Public Service Print (PSP) model to keep pace with changing times and ensure its relevance in a democratic and federal governance system.

Speaking at a function held in Kathmandu to mark the 125th anniversary of Gorkhapatra and the 63rd anniversary of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Minister Gurung stated that the current traditional framework must be amended. Recalling the newspaper’s historic journey through the Rana regime, monarchy, and Panchayat system, he stressed the importance of shifting towards people-centric content in the present democratic era.

Minister Gurung assured that the ministry is committed to completing the construction of a modern, well-equipped building for the corporation, introducing a new Act, and drafting employee management regulations at the earliest. “An institution with such a long and proud history must have its own building,” he said.

The Minister also announced broader plans, including the construction of a new headquarters for the Telecommunications Authority, revision of outdated laws governing communication-related bodies, and the introduction of a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. He further stated that a 5G network will be launched within the year.

At the event, Gorkhapatra Corporation Chairman Bishnu Prasad Subedi requested the minister to ensure budget allocation for the corporation’s building in the upcoming fiscal year, citing the organization’s urgent need for improved infrastructure.

General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi shared that editorial changes have been made to make Gorkhapatra more relevant and inclusive. “We are focusing on diverse topics and languages, ensuring broader representation in our content,” he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Nirmala Sharma, expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media, which she said has eroded public trust in professional journalism. She called for collective effort and cooperation to uphold the dignity of the profession.