KATHMANDU: The number of media persons rejecting government-conferred medals and honors on the occasion of Constitution Day 2021 is in on the rise as the day goes by.

Notable journalists denying the honors so far are Editor-in-Chief of Naya Patrika Dainik Krishna Jwala Devkota, Editor-in-Chief of ekagaj.com Hari Bahadur Thapa, Editor-in-Chief of nepalsamay.com Narayan Amrit, and cartoonist Rabin Sayami.

Naya Patrik Chief Editor Devkota said it was not ethical to accept the medal for him as questions were being raised on non-transparent and justified distribution of medals. Meanwhile, he thanked the government for considering his eligible for the honor of Suprabal Janaswei Medal.

Similarly, Editor-in-Chief of ekagaj.com Thapa penned his views on Facebook Sunday regarding the honor provided to him. He wrote that in the past as well, he rejected the honors when asked for the same, but this time his name was kept on the list without asking him. He also thanked for the government but rejected the Suprabal Janasewi Medal.

Likewise, nepalsamaya.com’s Editor Amrit wrote that he always disagreed with the opaque process of distribution of honors, decorations and ornaments on the occasion of the Constitution Day.

In the same manner, cartoonist Rabin Sayami also rejected the Suprabal Janasewi Medal.

On the occasion of the Constitution Day, President Bidya Devi Bhandari presented various decorations, awards and medals to 903 individuals. However, in the past 8 years, as many as 192 personalities did not receive the government honors.