The Center for Media Research- Nepal (CMR-Nepal) organized a discussion program entitled “Situating Civic Space in Karnali Province” on September 3, 2021.
Presenting the paper, journalist Dinesh Gautam highlighted the major problems in the media and civic space-related laws in the province. He pointed out the general tendency among the government to operate the media on its own, which is problematic.
The government separated Rs. 80 million to establish media in the province in the Annual Program budget of the fiscal year 2075/76. But the government has discontinued separating the fund to operate media over the years.
But the government still feels that it should operate media. Speaking at the virtual discussion Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Sita Nepali said that operating media by the government will not be problematic. The minister was of the view that it will not have much problem even if the media is run by the government institution.
Minister Oli said that there had been continuous discussion with the stakeholders such as the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and sought suggestions. She further added that amendments to the proposed Bill on Mass Communication Authority will be taken based on the discussion with the stakeholders.
Speaking at the occasion, Speaker of Karnali Province Assembly, Raj Bahadur Shahi said that it was necessary for the stakeholder to be constantly vigilant towards making of the law and public should provide suggestions to the representatives.
At the occasion, Devi Oli, Member of Social Development Committee of Karnali Province said that issue of Mass Communication Authority is important and needs to point out in points that is problematic in the Bill. She was of the view that role of government is to create an environment where media can operate and government should refrain from media operation of its own.
FNJ President of Karnali Province Deviram Devkota pointed out that the province and local government was focused on establishing and running the media on their own is wrong. Devkota said such activity will bypass the opposition voice and only bring the voice of those in power, serving as a propaganda tool. It is necessary to address the concerns of stakeholders while making of laws.
Sher Bahadur Thapa President of Parliament Affairs Journalist Society of the Province, said that it was necessary to take back the bill, it is necessary to bring out the changes in the bill presented in the parliament.
Other participants at the program emphasized on the role of stakeholders in making of the laws and development of laws that facilitates the civil society organization.
The program was participated by Speaker of the Province Assembly, law makers, mayors, journalist organizations, civil society leaders.