KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has urged the office-bearers of Press Council Nepal (PCN) to undertake result-oriented activities that reflect the Council’s status as an empowered and autonomous institution.
Speaking at a program organized by the PCN in Kathmandu today, Minister Kharel emphasized the importance of the Council’s role, especially as preparations intensify for the upcoming House of Representatives election. He stressed that the Council should be visibly proactive in regulating the media space and ensuring its credibility.
Highlighting the growing misuse of social media, the Minister called for stricter monitoring and regulation of unauthorized platforms. He underlined that the state should also take responsibility for supporting media outlets officially registered with the Council.
“The Press Council must establish itself as the judiciary of the mass media,” Minister Kharel stated, adding that the increasing spread of misinformation and personal attacks on social platforms demands urgent attention from all state mechanisms.
He recommended that the Council immediately form a taskforce to assess its needs in terms of human resources and technical equipment, and to lead public awareness campaigns related to social media regulation.
As the country gears up for elections, the Minister also stressed the need for effective monitoring of media conduct and implementation of the journalistic code of ethics. “The Press Council is an autonomous body, and the Ministry does not interfere in its operations,” he noted. “However, the Ministry stands ready to provide policy-level support whenever required.”
Also speaking at the event, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal assured the Council of full support in its efforts.
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