BHAKTAPUR: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana, has underlined the need of laws compatible with time to strengthen journalism, making it more professional and accountable.

Addressing a two-day “Workshop for Members of the Federal Parliament: Nepal’s International Commitments to Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, Privacy and Safety of Journalists” in Nagarkot, she reminded that the Constitution has guaranteed press freedom and people’s representatives should bear this fact in mind while enacting laws.

Acknowledging the role of journalism in bringing democracy and the republic in the nation, the Deputy Speaker said media-related laws should ensure the right to freedom, right to information, right to communications and right to privacy enshrined by the Constitution.

“We as legislators should study the issues seriously before proceeding with the formulation of laws,” she asserted, adding that the country’s international commitments be considered while enacting laws.

“We should be alert that whether any act and laws are capable of squeezing the rights of the citizens,” she said.

The Deputy Speaker was of the opinion of considering Nepal’s international commitments, the context of the nation and IT development while formulating the laws.

“This program will impart necessary knowledge and resources to formulate, review and implement laws, policies and procedures maintaining fundamental rights which will contribute in building a more democratic and transparent society,” she stressed.