Government's priority is on improving service delivery through institutional development: Communications Minister Timilsina

Kathmandu, April 3: Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said that ensuring citizens receive prompt, efficient and effective services through the institutional capacity development of government agencies and public institutions is a high priority for the government.     

On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of Public Service Broadcasting, Radio Nepal, today, Minister Dr Timilsina clarified that the ministry has already moved forward with new energy and momentum to make the institution stronger, accountable, and results-oriented.     

"Only when government bodies are strong can citizens receive convenient and quality services. Therefore, the Ministry has adopted a new approach to determine how institutions can be strengthened. There is no alternative to building strong, accountable and effective institutions," he said.     

Communications Minister Dr Timilsina stated that after the House of Representatives election, the responsibility of running the country has fallen on the shoulders of the youth, emphasising the need to change the negative tendencies observed in the political and administrative structures.     

"Negativity has prevailed in our institutions politically. We must chart out the direction ahead for the country and make changes accordingly. Once the political source is reformed, every institution will improve and it is time for every citizen to fulfill their duty," he pointed out.     

Emphasising that there will be no compromise on accountability and discipline, the Communications Minister said, "We ourselves will not do any wrong, nor will we let off those who do. Where there is weakness, action will be taken. The Ministry and the government are working to bring those who manipulate situations under the purview of law."     

He underscored on the need to adopt frugality in government expenditure, explaining the relationship between cutting down on unnecessary expenses, effective information dissemination, and good governance.     

Minister Dr Timilsina also mentioned that citizens share equal responsibility in the goal of creating a situation within the next five years where young people would not need to go abroad in search of job.     

He emphasised that in a democratic system, information is a fundamental right of citizens and that public service broadcasting institutions must protect it.     

"It is necessary to make public service broadcasting more effective, reliable and people-oriented, taking into account the changing communication technology, market competition and the evolving needs of the audience," the Minister added.     

Communications Minister Dr Timilsina, recalling his student life, mentioned that Radio Nepal inspired him towards literary writing and stated that the public service broadcasting organisations can have a long-term impact on nation-building.     

On the occasion, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said that Radio Nepal has played an important role in ensuring citizens' right to be well informed.     

She said that Radio Nepal has been contributing to the promotion of language, culture and identity along with the dissemination of reliable information.     

Secretary Basnet said, "Radio Nepal has preserved diversity by broadcasting news in 26 languages and programmes in 25 languages. It plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of old songs and music through its technology-friendly medium."     

Chairman of Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Dr Mahendra Bista, emphasised the need to work independently, impartially and in a people-centred manner in accordance with the concept of public service broadcasting, stating that an Act has already been enacted for the improvement of this sector in Nepal and progress is being made accordingly.     

Radio Nepal was established on April 2 1951. It has now expanded its services to reach approximately 94 percent of the country's population. Radio Nepal has continuously provided citizens with factual and authentic information and entertainment ever since the establishment of democracy, despite various political changes, natural disasters, and difficult times of calamities.(RSS)