Govt for linking journalists with SSF: Minister Gurung

Gandaki, June 19: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said the government would take the initiative for linking journalists to a contribution-based social security fund (SSF).

During a dialogue on journalists’ affiliation with the SSF organised by the Federation of Nepali Journalists in collaboration with SSF here on Thursday, Minister Gurung informed that the SSF scheme would be gradually branched out to the subordinates of the ministry and media sectors.

“Big media houses are joining the SSF scheme, even the employees in all media houses will be brought under this scheme,” the Minister said, reminding that even the policy and programmes of the government had mentioned it well. Positive understanding and initiatives are required for it.

It is beneficial both for the employers and employees for the workers’ access to financial security and quality health, according to the government spokesperson. A bill on mass communication was being drafted. It will manage various issues of the media, the minister shared.

“The bill incorporates the issues, including mass media authority and a training academy. Even the Media Council Bill is in the process of becoming an act, while the government will introduce a law to manage social networking sites,” Minister explained.