Keep Your Promise

The Rising Nepal, the co-publication of Gorkhapatra daily, celebrated its 59th anniversary in Kathmandu. Gorkhpatra Sansthan, the country's oldest media organisation, has been bringing out two daily newspapers - Gorkhapatra in Nepali, The Rising Nepal in English and three monthly magazines - Madhupark, Yuba Mancha and Muna. Madhupark is a literary publication, whereas Yuva Mancha and Muna focus on the issues of youths and children respectively. In addition, the corporation also runs online editions of two dailies. Gorkhapatra Sansthan, a state-owned undertaking, has been serving the country for 124 years uninterruptedly. 

Its head office is located at New Road, a prime location in Kathmandu, but the sad part is that its administration operates from an old building constructed during Rana period. It has suffered cracks due to earthquake in 2015. The in-house laws and regulations are not compatible with the present system. Inability to introduce new Act has hindered the Corporation from recruiting new employees and journalists, and promoting the working staff. Comparing with other undertakings under the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Gorkhapatra Corporation lacks modern building. 

Nepal Television has a huge modern building, the Rastriya Samachar Samati has two big office buildings and Press Council has also got new building with the modern facilities and spacious rooms. Additionally, the staff and journalists of those organisations have been enjoying internal promotions but the employees of the Gorkhapatra Corporation have been deprived of this facility. 

As it is running under the Ministry's jurisdiction, the government appoints the executive chairman, general manager and editorial and legal advisors. As the new chiefs and advisors assume office, they deliver promising speeches, boosting the confidence of the employees. But only a few of the executives have been able to live up the expectations. 

Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Radha Aryal and Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung addressed the function organised to mark the 59th anniversary of TRN. It is believed that Secretary Aryal has long and proven experience in the communication sector and Minister Gurung is considered as proactive leader, who can take bold decisions. 

Secretary Radhika Aryal delivered her speech so meticulously that she covered almost all issues besetting the communication sector. Her speech was comprehensive and informative. As Minister Gurung took the podium and began to speak, we paid heed to his every words carefully. Gurung talked about broad areas of national affairs and economy. He pointed out the need for carrying out legal and institutional restructuring of the state agencies. His remark that the publications of the Gorkhapatra Sansthan are the properties of all the 761 governments of the state has gone well with the audience. 

Now it is high time the government should bring new Act to address the existing problems of Gorkhapatra Corporation. Given the fact that the traditional media outlets are facing challenges from the digital media, the timely steps on the part of the corporation and related department are a must to enable the competitive edge of its publications.