Inauguration of Gandaki Province Press Registrar Office in Pokhara

Pokhara:

The formal inauguration of the Gandaki Province Press Registrar Office, established to regulate the communication sector, enhance transparency, and promote professional journalism in a more systematic manner, was held in Pokhara on Monday. Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey inaugurated the office, stating that an independent press is the backbone of democracy.

Emphasizing that along with press freedom, accountability is equally essential, he said that the provincial government had established the Press Registrar Office to ensure this balance. He expressed confidence that the office would play a proactive role in providing legal clarity, managing records, and enhancing transparency in the journalism profession.

“The establishment of the Gandaki Province Press Registrar Office is a historic step that will bring legal clarity, improve record management, and enhance transparency in the journalism profession. It will help organize media outlets and strengthen mutual trust between journalists and media organizations,” he said.

He also assured that the provincial government would continue to provide necessary policy, structural, and resource support to protect press freedom and professional rights, while promoting responsible communication.

Gandaki Province Chief Secretary Dr. Khagendra Prasad Subedi stated that the Press Registrar Office would play a crucial role in protecting press freedom and developing responsible journalism. He added that the provincial government would support the institution through the necessary policies, structures, and resources.

During the event, Press Registrar Bimala Bhandari provided detailed information about the office’s objectives, legal authority, and areas of work. She clarified that the office is not just a registration and renewal body, but also a guardian institution for ensuring transparency, accountability, and professional dignity in journalism.

According to her, the office will be responsible for formulating annual plans and programs for the mass communication sector, issuing and renewing operation licenses for media outlets, granting licenses for FM radios ranging from 100 to 1,000 watts, managing records for print media, online media, television, and cable distributors, creating frequency plans, handling complaints, conducting research and evaluations, monitoring facilities for working journalists, managing the Journalist Welfare Fund, maintaining an expert roster, coordinating training and scholarships, distributing public welfare advertisements, classifying and recommending them, and coordinating among the provincial government, media organizations, and journalists.

She further stated that the Mass Communication Bill prepared by the Gandaki Province Government includes clear provisions for the registration and renewal of online media, and that her office is taking the initiative to implement this work. She expressed her belief that effective execution of online media registration and renewal through the Press Registrar Office would contribute to the prosperity, transparency, and quality of the entire mass communication sector in the province. She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the sustainable development of online media.

Highlighting that journalism is the foundation of public trust, she said that the office’s scope of work would prioritize quality standards. The office is committed to ensuring the professional rights of journalists, enforcing the code of conduct, and facilitating coordination with the state.

Participants, including media professionals and stakeholders, said that the establishment of the office marks a new chapter of institutional reform in Gandaki Province’s communication sector. Press Council Nepal member Keshav Sharan Lamichhane, Federation of Nepali Journalists Gandaki Province President Ramesh Poudel, and other speakers addressed the event. High-ranking provincial government officials, journalists, representatives of journalist organizations, and media executives were also present.