State's role crucial in journalists' security, CM Kandel says

Karnali, July 27: Chief Minister of Karnali Province Government Yamlal Kandel has said that the role of the state was vital for the security of the media persons.     

Addressing the Journalist Health Insurance Policy Handover programme organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province on Sunday, the Chief Minister said journalism was not only a challenging job but a pillar for democracy.     

"Journalism is always a profession to seek truth and sensitise public opinions. State's concerns should be there for the security and protection of journalists who perform such a sensitive and tough duty," the Chief Minister added.     

He viewed that openness, mutual respect and cooperation between the state and media fraternity were essential.     

The health insurance programme was the state's realisation towards journalists' security and its commitment towards democratic norms and human rights, he stated.     

The Karnali Province Government has offered a health insurance policy for free to a total of 693 active journalists from the Karnali Province in partnership with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Karnali Province Committee. The insurance scheme is being implemented following an agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law and the National Insurance Company Limited.     

As per the scheme, the insured journalists could receive the health care service of up to Rs 70,000 in a year. (RSS)