Kathmandu, May 7: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has advised the Gorakhapatra Sansthan (Corporation) to transform itself as per the need of time and the speed of technology. In his address to a function organised on the occasion of the 123rd anniversary of the Gorakhapatra, the oldest national daily of Nepal, the Prime Minister said the paper was expected to additionally focus on issues of its accountability, credibility and professionalism so as to prove itself a major contributor to the existing competitive market.
‘With the rapid development and expansion of digital media, the printing journalism faces additional challenges in its journey ahead,’ the Prime Minister said, advising the Gorakhapatra Corporation to find an alternative to the traditional way of functioning and to embrace a new approach for the business. The Gorakhapatra is expected to supply contents that the entire Nepali could take ownership over the Gorakhapatra service being a responsible to the State, according to the Prime Minister.’The special focus is required for quality enhancement and diversity of the Gorakhapatra services.’
Stating that State entire affairs be transparent, the Prime Minister said, ‘Media are responsible for making people aware of State affairs.’ Strengthening of federal democratic republic is possible when citizens are well-informed, according to the Prime Minister who believed that media role was vital for making State’s each entity and bodies more accountable to their duties and responsibilities. ‘Media are viewed as watchdog of the State system,’ the Prime Minister said, urging media to increase its role as the State watchdog in the days to come. ‘Mass media should be more responsible for promoting the citizens’ rights to information,’ the head of the government said, adding that in the present context the role and contribution of mass communications was commendable.
‘Credibility towards the government and governmental media houses can be kept an increased only after the Gorakhapatra Corporation and its leadership are become disciplined and responsible for the goals of good governance and prosperity.’Stating that the corporation was being questioned in terms of its discipline and efficacy, he also drew its attention to respond to the question through work. ‘The leadership should always focus on impartiality, freedom, institutional and professional welfare and security and promotion and guardianship of its workers,’ he said.
He praised Gorakhapatra for being a living representative of an era aside from its continuous work to provide information and education, and for maintaining its credibility and impartiality till date through credible news.
Stating that it had contributed immensely to the institutional development of Nepali journalism, he emphasized its internal and infrastructural reforms keeping up with the present digital era. Established on 24 Baisakh, 1958 BS, it became a daily in 7 Falgun, 2017 BS. In between it was published twice a week (Tuesday and Friday) from 29 Ashoj, 2000 BS, and thrice a week from 8 Paush, 2003 BS.
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