Amidst the pressure and interest of journalists, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has given a clear indication that this bill cannot be passed immediately.
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After the 'Mass Communication Bill', which has become the center of discussion in Koshi province, has been introduced in the Parliament, a wide debate has started. Various journalist organizations including the Federation of Nepalese Journalists are strongly protesting that the bill contains provisions to restrict journalism.
Amidst the pressure and interest of journalists, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has given a clear indication that this bill cannot be passed immediately. He explained that the process of revising and refining the bill will take time and said, "We are fully committed to the freedom of the press and the rights guaranteed by the constitution." We will take the demands of journalists positively and proceed.'
Chief Minister Karki said during a meeting on Tuesday with the journalist representatives who went to submit the memorandum under the leadership of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Koshi Province, that the bill that has been presented in the Parliament is no longer a matter for the government. It should be carried out after serious discussion with all concerned parties. The interest of organizations connected with journalists has come seriously, so now the bill can proceed only after further discussion.'
Chief Minister Karki made it clear that his aim is to build a firm and strong journalism structure in the province and claimed that the bill was brought in accordance with the idea of organizing journalism through law. He said that discussions will be given priority to respectfully address the questions and concerns raised by the journalists' federation.
On this occasion, Bharat Khadka, President of Nepal Journalist Federation, Koshi Province, and Himakumari Chemjong, General Secretary, gave a detailed opinion on the demands and concerns of journalists. The federation urged to correct the provisions in the bill that attack the freedom of the press, and emphasized that the government should be responsible for ensuring the rights of journalists and the right of citizens to receive information.
Earlier, the Justice, Administration and Legislation Committee of the Koshi State Government passed the 'Mass Communication Bill' last Wednesday and presented it in the State Assembly on Friday. However, as soon as the bill was announced, the Federation of Journalists, lawyers and human rights activists expressed strong opposition to it as a direct attack on press freedom.
The Federation of Nepalese Journalists has also announced a phased protest program for August 9 to 13. This includes awareness through social media, attention-grabbing programs, campaign to send messages to state assembly members, dharnas and massive demonstrations in Biratnagar. The controversy over the provisions of the
bill has caused waves not only in the provincial assembly, but also in the field of journalism and democracy. "It is a positive step for Chief Minister Karki to give a signal that he will listen to the voices of journalists and take the path of discussion", said Bandhu Pokharel, President of Samajwadi Press Organization, Koshi Province.
