MoCIT ready to support GC to increase digital outreach: Secretary Basnet

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Feb 24: Online platforms of the Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC) have walked toe to toe in the digital age and will continue to adapt and thrive in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid news dissemination.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the 29th Digital Day of Gorkhapatra Corporation today, Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) Laxmi Kumari Basnet, said the Corporation has come a long way in its digital journey.

Recalling how she once searched for her name in the newspaper during her SLC days and now accesses the online edition with a click, she noted that entering the digital age is both timely and necessary.

She assured that the Ministry is ready to extend full support to GC in expanding its digital outreach and strengthening its infrastructure, including its building and archives.

She also appreciated the Corporation for making a strong presence on social platforms such as Facebook and X (previously Twitter) and stressed that digital platforms need to be further enhanced.

She expressed confidence that GC, which has remained relevant through changing times, will continue to adapt and thrive in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid news dissemination.

Chairperson of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Govinda Prasad Bhandari, highlighted that the online medium is an effective way to reach the public with facts and information.

“We need to enhance our online news portals as per the demands of the time,” he said, adding that the online editions should be developed in a way that they can shoulder the responsibility alongside print media.

Chairperson of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Govinda Prasad Bhandari, highlighted that the online medium is an effective way to reach the public with facts and information.

“We need to enhance our online news portals as per the demands of the time,” he said, adding that the online editions should be developed in a way that they can shoulder the responsibility alongside print media.

Speaking on the occasion, GC General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi said that the online editions have become an integral component of modern journalism.

“Earlier, there was no clear mention of the independent status of the online editions within the Corporation. Now, time has changed, and it is one of the most important components, reaching millions of viewers at a time,” he said.

Acting Editor-in-Chief of the Gorkhapatra daily Junar Babu Basnet underlined the need to preserve print media while promoting online platforms, enhancing revenue generation and expanding market reach.

GC Digital Chief Narad Muni Gautam said reliability in news dissemination remains the Corporation’s greatest asset and should be fully utilised.

He stressed that the Corporation is not just the voice of the government but also raises and reflects issues present in society.

Similarly, Acting Editor of Gorkhapatra Online, Lucky Chaudhary, said that in today’s highly competitive environment, the Corporation must strengthen its digital presence to compete effectively with the private sector.

He maintained that content published across all digital platforms is of a high standard and capable of competing in every aspect.

Acting Editor of the online edition of The Rising Nepal, risingnepaldaily.com, Nanda Lal Tiwari, facilitated the event.

Chiefs of different publications and departments of the GC as well as employees attended the function.