Minister Kharel unveils 100-day progress report

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Dec. 22: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel on Sunday unveiled the key achievements of his ministry during the first three months since assuming office.

In a press conference held at the ministry in Singha Durbar this afternoon, Minister Kharel highlighted 30 significant accomplishments across mass media, telecommunications, information technology, postal services, printing, film, and other sectors.

Regarding mass media, the minister noted that the Department of Information and Broadcasting has streamlined online registration and renewal processes. Other milestones include the launch of NTV World, the posthumous recognition of journalist Suresh Rajak 

as a martyr, the inclusion of the Kulung language in Gorkhapatra Daily, and the approval of various O&M projects.

In the telecommunications sector, Kharel reported the installation of free Wi-Fi at 19 public locations within the Kathmandu Valley, with preparations underway to extend the service to 29 additional sites outside the valley. 

In the Sudurpaschim Province, 15 wireless sites were established. Furthermore, Nepal Telecom saw an increase of 200,000 active subscribers, the implementation of the Gen-Z data package, and the expansion of 4G services at Everest Base Camp.

The minister also highlighted achievements related to journalists affected by the Gen-Z Movement, including their recognition and compensation, preparation of damage reports from the movement, and enrolment of media personnel in the Social Security Fund beginning with the Gorkhapatra Corporation. Addressing the press meet, Minister Kharel asserted that the government was actively pursuing good governance and anti-corruption measures in line with the spirit of the Gen-Z Movement. On the implementation of the 10-point agreement between the Gen-Z Movement and the government, Minister Kharel stressed that responsibility lies equally with all parties. As the agreement is not linked to any particular political faction, he underscored that future executive governments are equally obliged to ensure its execution.

Responding to queries of journalists, he emphasised the administration’s commitment to holding elections within the stipulated timeframe and noted that the electoral environment in the country is gradually stabilising.

"The country is now in an election mood. The government has already created the environment for the elections. Political parties, the Election Commission, and the public are all preparing for the elections,” he said.