Role of media important in making society conscious: Speaker Ghimire

Kathmandu, July 5: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has lauded the role of Nepali journalism in making society aware and taking it forward through transformation.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament, was addressing the installation programme of the newly-elected office-bearers of the Society of Parliamentary Affairs Journalists here today.     

He underscored the need of consolidating democracy by removing the weaknesses seen in its practice. "The media has a role in guiding the parliament in the national interest and it has pushed it towards dynamism and effectiveness," the Speaker added.     

Stating that although journalism is Society's responsibility, he said it is also like a 'family member' of the parliament.     

National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina said the parliamentary affairs journalists are like a bridge between the people and the parliament as they 'communicate' the parliamentary affairs to the masses.     

"Whether that be news about parliament or society, they should be disseminated without any prejudice. The weaknesses of the society and parliament should be exposed by the media," he asserted. It is the responsibility of all in maintaining good governance and developing the country, he added.     

Parliamentary Secretariat secretary-general Dr Bharat Raj Gautam said homework is on regarding making arrangements for the 'lobby reporting' which the Society has been calling for and the healthy criticism meant for improving the parliament and the parliamentary affairs were welcome.     

An election of the Society held on July 1 elected a 15-member new working committee under the chairmanship of Manoj Satyal. The Society currently has 145 members. (RSS)