Communication Minister's diktat to RSS: Play leading role in media

Kathmandu, July 31: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has directed the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) to play a leading role in production of media contents

Minister Gurung urged the RSS to establish itself as a 'guru' institution of Nepali media. Gurung was in a briefing at RSS central office today.     

"RSS needs to be source and resources for all media by ensuring improvement and effectiveness in its service," he underlined, adding that RSS could be developed as centre of media excellence by lifting it out of political influence.     

The Minister further viewed time had come for RSS to change work style and stress result-oriented process, which he argued, would create positive impacts on people's lives.     

"I've assumed office to change status quo. RSS needs to cooperate with me in my bid. Let's work for improved RSS in our term," Gurung shared.     

According to him, structural change is essential in State-run institutions. "Be ready for amendment of RSS Act, Ministry assists you," he called. Revision in media related law is a priority, Minister Gurung reminded.     

Challenges should be transformed into opportunity by the RSS leadership, he said, and directed the leadership to execute responsibility honestly.     

"In order to make RSS centre of attraction and excellence, cooperative initiatives are must," he viewed.     

According to him, it takes 24 hours for Cabinet decisions to mature. "Sometime, Prime Minister or concerned minister can revise or withdraw the decision," he said, so it is not necessary to make public Cabinet decision before 24 hours.     

He also expressed dissatisfaction towards some Cabinet members sharing decisions to the media though it was decided to reveal only after 24 hours of the meeting and by spokesperson.     

On the occasion, RSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha said his spirit for change in RSS aligned with the Minister and he would work in close coordination with the ministry. Ministry's directive would be adhered fully, he assured.     

He also shared RSS initiative to make it self-reliant so that it would be less of a burden to the government. Service diversification was one of the significant feature of late, Jha claimed.     

The Chairperson however complained that lack of workforce was hindering service delivery. "Special cooperation is expected from the ministry in carrying out a much-needed organization and management survey," he pleaded.     

Similarly, RSS is such news agency that produces credible news contents. The Chair also sought responsibility to produce media contents in other mother languages.     

RSS General Manager Siddharaj Rai shared information about the RSS activities, future plan of special bulletin on mother languages. The round-the-clock service was getting enforced, he added.     

During the visit, Minister Gurung also observed the news rooms and inspected the photos kept in exhibition since the Republic Day. (RSS)