'Govt for making new acts, amendments to old ones'

Kathmandu, Sept 2: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) has made a stride by formally launching the 24-hour news service- extension from the current 17 hours.     

Inaugurating the 24-hour Nepali news service at RSS in its central office on Monday, Minister Gurung said, "Although it is not a huge achievement, it's a good beginning of a reform campaign. It counts a lot; we've made a stride indeed."     

The Minister suggested RSS that prioritise issues of social justice by writing news about people in far-flung areas. He also directed the RSS for structural reform and capacity building of the employees.     

On the occasion, he shared information on the development being made in the front of policy and law-making. The government has prioritized making new acts and amendments to old ones in 100 days of its office, Gurung reminded.     

"The bill ranging from the issues focusing on regulation and management of social networks; IT and cyber security; mass communications; and film were being prepared," he said, adding that even the work for standard on the operation of data centre and email use at government office were going on so that they would be presented in the Cabinet meeting before mid-October. 

Moreover, preparations were afoot to endorse regulation on security printing by mid-September. The old laws do not work to address new contexts and problems, so they need timeliness and relevance, the Minister reminded.     

He informed that his attention was drawn towards the demand of the establishment of a mass communications academy and incorporation of journalists in the social security scheme.     

The Public Service Broadcasting Bill was endorsed by the related parliamentary committee, and the Media Council Bill is in line, according to him.     

On a different note, Minister Gurung made it clear that he had only spoken about the Chief of Nepal Police in relation to the past context at a programme in Pokhara city. "I had said all bodies of the State should cooperate well for effective implementation of the federalism," he added.     

Similarly, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal suggested RSS reach people from far-flung areas by enhancing its quality and effectiveness. She expressed happiness over the RSS' expansion of service from the current 17 to 24 hours.     

"Reach factual news to people and government being responsible," she reminded.     

Moreover, FNJ Chair Bipul Pokhrel viewed the RSS should being more relevant in the wake of the changing need for news. Sustainability of media is the need of the hour, he said, adding that the social security of working journalists is equally pressing.     

Former Chair of FNJ, Shiva Gaunle, said RSS must write news for good governance.     

"Irrespective of its limitations, RSS can keep a close watch on discrimination, violence, misuse of power, irregularities," he suggested. (RSS)