KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma announced that early warnings about disasters will be broadcast through Radio Nepal and telecommunications service providers, aiming to reduce disaster-related damages.
Telecommunications service providers will relay information via SMS.
During a House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Thursday, Minister Sharma stated that private and community radios, televisions, and internet service providers would be mobilized to disseminate early warning messages.
Minister Sharma addressed the HoR in response to lawmakers’ concerns about the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the Appropriation Bill, 2081.
She emphasized that Gorkhapatra Corporation, Radio Nepal, and Nepal Television would maintain quality in their programs and news dissemination.
She also mentioned that media houses must submit payroll details of their journalists to the Department of Information to avail services provided by the Department, a move aimed at enforcing minimum wage standards for journalists.
Additionally, Minister Sharma stated that a directive has been issued to promote the responsible use of social networking sites.
A bill to further regulate their usage is in the final stages of formulation.
She assured that the government would not act prejudicially against social sites operating within existing laws and maintaining social harmony.
Furthermore, she noted that the Press Council Nepal is working on record-keeping, enlisting, and monitoring YouTube channels.
To improve internet service quality, optical fibers will be installed along the Mid-Hill Highway and other highways.
Broadband internet service expansion will be advanced in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.
Comment