Kathmandu : President Ramchandra Paudel has said that press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and is equally important in implementing the constitutional right of citizens to be informed. “The more impartial, independent and strong the press is the stronger the democratic system will be.”
In a message today on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the President has said press freedom should be ensured, allowing journalists to have a safe environment to carry out their duties to inform the people. “Our constitution has guaranteed full freedom of the press and expression.”
On the occasion, he has also wished may the Nepali media community always be successful in fully utilizing and protecting the constitutionally granted rights and in conveying fact-based and true information to the general public.
Stating that the increasing use of social media and the false and misleading information that may be disseminated through it are a challenge before us, President Paudel has expressed his hope that this day would give more energy, encouragement and motivation to the Nepali press sector to disseminate truth, facts and reliable information to the people while addressing such challenges.
In a similar message, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has said press freedom, as guaranteed by the Constitution, is not only the right of journalists or media personnel, but also the common right of all citizens to know the truth, express their opinion, and make prudent decisions.
Stating that the Constitution of Nepal ensures press freedom as a fundamental right, Vice President Yadav said that a free press is the backbone of democracy. He has also expressed his best wishes that journalism may move forward fearlessly by exercising and protecting the right granted by the Constitution.
