KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called for the development of a self-regulation system to make the media sector dignified, responsible and accountable.

Extending greetings on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day here today, he mentioned the Constitution of Nepal secures full press freedom and the government has emphasized on restructuring, policy and legal reforms for the protection, promotion and development of the media sector to thereby realize the constitutional provision.

“Press freedom is not concerning the press only but an integral issue of the overall society and a democratic system. The government is well aware of the importance of a free press for the strengthening of democracy.”

In the message, Prime Minister Dahal said the restructuring of the Nepali media sector in accordance with the fundamentals of the Constitution including the purpose of the federal democratic republic is the major need of the hour.

In this regard, initiatives such as the establishment of the Mass Media Authority for the regulation of the media, the restructuring of the Press Council, the recognition of the media as a communications service industry, and the proportional distribution of public advertisements have been undertaken.

Likewise, others include accident and health insurance for journalists, the provision of living allowances for senior journalists and journalists with disabilities and the establishment of an integrated mass media development fund.

Prime Minister Dahal also expressed the commitment to formulate necessary laws and structures to ensure freedom of press and expression.