Press Center Accuses Government of Regressing by Undermining Press Freedom

Thamman Thapa, Kathmandu, August 7

Press Center Nepal has strongly objected to the government's actions, accusing it of moving towards curtailing press freedom. Instead of formulating an umbrella act related to mass communication, the government has taken a regressive step by attempting to amend a 34-year-old law, according to the Press Center.

On Thursday, issuing a statement, Press Center General Secretary Manoj Ghartimagar said that while the Media Council Bill is already facing widespread criticism, the government's introduction of new provisions for online registration proves its intolerance towards press freedom and federalism. The Center condemned the provision requiring online media to be registered and renewed through District Administration Offices.

According to the government’s recent proposal, amendments have been made to the Press and Publication Act through some changes in Nepal laws, shifting the registration authority for online media from the Department of Information and Broadcasting to District Administration Offices. The Press Center claimed this move is a clear attempt by the government to control the media through district-level administration.

The Center further stated that the government's intent to control the media, undermine federalism, and encroach upon provincial rights is evident. It urged the government to promptly formulate an umbrella communication act to manage media registration, renewal, and regulation. The Press Center also demanded that online media, like print media, should not be required to renew their registration annually.