FNJ demands law guaranteeing press freedom

Published On: February 26, 2019 03:40 PM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


Kathmandu, Feb 26 (RSS): The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has demanded the government at all three levels make media law and other structure with full guarantee of freedom of press and expression, the rights enshrined in the constitution. 

The FNJ sharing information about the proposal passed by its recent central General Assembly and statute amendment convention held on February 21-22 in Pokhara, demanded the government not to come up with any policy, act, law, regulation, guideline and structure capable of suppressing freedom of the press. 

The General Assembly endorsed the proposal, seeking to make correction in the provisions capable of hurting the principle of press freedom incorporated the Civil Code and Criminal Code which are in force since last August 17. 

Similarly, journalists of most media houses have not implemented the provisions in regard with wages and facilities promised for journalists, the FNJ said, calling upon such media houses to address the issue instantly. 

In response to a circulation issued by the Department of Information and Broadcasting regarding the enforcement of minimum wages, the umbrella organisation of journalists said the circulation affected media with small investment and establish for the purpose of self-employment. It has said that the circulation should be redefined and provisions in it should not be applicable for such media houses. 

The FNJ has objected to the current culture of arresting journalists by police if later seem unconvinced by media contents, it demands an immediate release of journalists presently in police detention for the same reason. 

Insisting on the FNJ membership purification campaign, it has directed the FNJ central committee to start a process towards that end. 

The Pokhara gathering also proposed to provide monthly allowance to those in journalism field for the past continuous 30 years, senior journalists above 60 and journalists with physical disabilities to support their livelihood. 

The meet also endorsed a proposal seeking easy entry to the Singhudurbar for FNJ membership holders and insurance and other facilities for journalists. 

The General Assembly has proposed to give no green signal to foreign investment in Nepali media in this or that way and to announce such investment if exists invalid.  RSS


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