Kathmandu. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Parbat Gurung has expressed his commitment to move ahead by coordinating and cooperating for the development and expansion of the journalism sector and putting an end to the irregularities in the society.

At the INJA Global Media Conference 2020 organized by the International Network of Nepali Journalists (INJA) on Sunday, Minister Gurung said, “Let’s enhance the dignity of the journalism sector by awakening and informing the people. Let’s put an end to the irregularities in the society by not letting the information flow in a fictitious and fact less manner.”

Minister Gurung lauded the contribution of INJA for the rights and interests of the journalists in crisis by uniting the Nepali journalists scattered all over the world. President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Govinda Acharya, said that Nepali journalism, which has been fighting for democracy, human rights, rule of law and press freedom, has been working to make the sector more professional and dignified.

Gopal Budathoki, Acting Chairman of the Press Council Nepal, presented informative statistics that 3,100 journalists have lost their jobs, 5 have lost their lives and 400 have been infected in Nepal through COVID-19. Chairman of the Minimum Wage Determination Committee, Rajendra Aryal, said that it was necessary to provide assistance to the journalists who are facing difficulties as COVID-19 has created more problems for the journalists who are not getting regular remuneration.

Gunaraj Luintel, chairman of the organizing body, and Bishnu Sheetal, vice-chairman and writer, said that the conference was organized to take the message of professionalism and honesty to the villages and rural areas.

On the occasion, Freedom Forum chairperson Taranath Dahal wished the best for the conference while poet Saru Guragain recited a poem on the power of communication consciousness. Tanka Pant, president of INJA Asia, informed that the organization has been providing assistance to the journalists facing difficulties due to the problems created by COVID-19.