‘Media should pinpoint govt’s weaknesses and reach out good works to the people’

September 6, Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasd Paudel has urged the media sector to pinpoint weaknesses of the government and effectively reach out the good works to the people.

During his address to the 27th Annual General Meeting and convention of the Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) here today, he said the media sector should advance its performance both critically and by recommending ways. “It is the responsibility of the media to expose any policy lacunas or weaknesses in their implementation clearly,” Paudel noted. Additionally, it is equally important to inform citizens about the achievements and work done for the public good by the government.”

On this occasion, Finance Minister Paudel emphasized the importance of economic journalism, stating the role of journalists is essential in enabling the country’s economy. President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal noted the country’s economy has been impacted by several reasons such as the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but improvements have been seen recently. He mentioned FNCCI is always seeking ways the private sector can play a role in improving the economic sector of the country and has been continually advising the government on legal and practical reforms.

Also speaking on the occasion, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Birendra Raj Pandey shared the CNI’s ongoing study on the need of investment in different sectors to improve the country’s economy and the necessity of policy and legal reforms for this.

President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal mentioned that although economic indicators have been improving, the private sector is still not ready for investment. He emphasized the implementation of the suggestions and recommendations provided by the High-level Economic Reforms Recommendation Commission to the government.

Former presidents of SEJON expressed their views on the challenges facing the media sector, the quality of journalism, and the need for investigative reporting related to the economic sector. The convention will elect new leadership for SEJON today.