KATHMANDU, Aug 29: The government has registered Media Council Bill 2075 at the National Assembly on Thursday.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota tabled the bill at the Upper House of the Federal Parliament this afternoon seeking its endorsement.

On the occasion, the minister said the proposed bill, if endorsed, would allow the Press Council Nepal to monitor the media.

Minister Baskota vowed to make changes to some provisions of the proposed bill after holding consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

After the minister's commitment to bring changes to the proposed law, the lawmakers of the Nepali Congress withdrew their notice of protest.

The media fraternity has been strongly opposing some of the provisions of the bill such as the imposition of a fine of up to one million rupees on journalists if they are found guilty of damaging someone’s reputation. Experts argue that the proposed bill aims to curtail press freedom.

If the bill is endorsed from the parliament, it allows Nepal Media Council to replace the existing Press Council Nepal to curtail press freedom, instead of empowering it.

Next meeting of the National Assembly has been scheduled for 11 am on Friday.

 
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