Minister Kharel Unveils Achievements of Communications Ministry in First Three Months

Kathmandu, Dec 21: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel on Sunday made public the key achievements of his ministry during the first three months of his tenure.

Organizing a press conference at the ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Kharel said around 30 major accomplishments were recorded across sectors including telecommunications, information technology, postal services, printing and film. Claiming notable progress despite various challenges, he said the ministry remains committed to working with integrity in the days ahead.

Among the major initiatives highlighted were the introduction of online registration and renewal services at the Department of Information and Broadcasting, printing of driving licences through the Security Printing Press, expansion of communication access in remote areas, and extension of 4G services up to the Sagarmatha Base Camp.

Other achievements include the launch of NTV World, the declaration of late journalist Suresh Rajak as a martyr, publication of news and content in the Kulung language in Gorkhapatra, and provision of free internet services at 10 public locations in the Kathmandu Valley. The minister added that preparations are underway to install Wi-Fi at 29 additional locations outside the Valley.

Minister Kharel also cited the honouring of journalists who showed courage during the Gen Z movement and the inclusion of journalists and staff of state-owned media in the Social Security Fund as notable milestones.

Government to Register Online TVs

Separately, the minister said the government is preparing to introduce a system to register and list online television platforms to strengthen professional security and institutional development. Speaking at a meeting with online TV journalists at the ministry, he pledged to provide state incentives to online media and journalists on par with mainstream media.

However, he noted that the absence of reliable data on the number of online TVs and journalists has so far hindered the distribution of government incentives, including public welfare advertisements.