Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed confidence that a responsible press will further strengthen Nepal’s federal democratic republic and contribute to good governance, development and economic prosperity by effectively addressing contemporary challenges, including misinformation.

Speaking at an award distribution ceremony organized by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, President Paudel highlighted the historical role of Nepali journalism in the country’s political, social and cultural transformations.

During the event, senior journalist honors were presented to Chandra Kishore Jha and Namrata Sharma, while the National Journalism Award was conferred on Bhola Paswan, Umesh Shrestha and Rupa Gahatraj. Each awardee received a cash prize of NPR 200,000 along with a certificate of honor.

The President said the Constitution of Nepal guarantees press and expression freedom, and it is the state’s responsibility to ensure a safe and independent environment for journalists to report freely without fear. He emphasized that responsible journalism based on truth and facts is the core duty of the press.

He also warned about the growing threat of misinformation in the digital age, noting that the rapid expansion of social media and citizen journalism can sometimes mislead the public. He expressed confidence that Nepali media would successfully address this challenge.

President Paudel further stated that journalism is a powerful instrument of nation building and democratic strengthening and that independent, impartial journalism is essential for a functioning democracy. He added that journalists should not face insecurity simply for reporting news and stressed the need to ensure a safe working environment.

He also urged cooperation between the government and private sector to ensure the economic sustainability of media houses and protect the rights of working journalists.

Free, responsible and dignified journalism essential: Minister

At the same event, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Vikram Timilsina said that free, independent and dignified journalism is essential for strengthening democracy.

He reiterated that the Constitution guarantees full press freedom and clarified that the government has no intention of imposing restrictions on the media. However, he stressed that freedom comes with responsibility and journalism must be based on facts and truth.

Minister Timilsina highlighted that in the digital era, technology friendly and responsible journalism is the foundation of good governance. He noted that misinformation and misuse of social media are creating confusion and division in society, making fact checking an essential part of modern journalism.

He also stated that the government is preparing new policies, including an advertising policy, to improve the sustainability and professionalism of media institutions. The implementation of the Working Journalists Act and improvements in journalists’ wages, safety and career development remain government priorities.

The ceremony marked National Journalism Day 2083, observed annually on the anniversary of the publication of Gorkhapatra on Baisakh 24, 1958 BS symbolizing the historic roots of Nepali journalism.