PM Oli hopes constructive media support to enforce constitution

TARA BAHADUR KATUWAL. KATHMANDU, March 31: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on the media sector for lending a constructive role for the successful implementation of the constitution.

Opening the 18th anniversary celebrations and fourth convention of Reporters’ Club Nepal here Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli said the country is now on the path towards an economic revolution with the completion of the political battle for people’s rights.
“The constitution has incorporated political, social and economic rights of the people. Our wholesome attention be focused on the development endevours and economic agenda and I expect a positive role of media towards that end”, he said.

Stating that the government was committed to press freedom and safeguarding it, the PM argued that his tenure has been successful in improving strained ties with India and bringing in Chinese investment to the country.

On a different note, he called on the main opposition Nepali Congress to join the incumbent government to transform it into a national unity government.

Also speaking on the occasion, Speaker Onsari Gharti insisted on unity among one and all to successfully enforce the constitution. She was of the view of sorting out misunderstandings over the constitution through talks and discussions.

Likewise, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba said that current political problems could be resolved through talks, dialogues and consensus. “I am ready to reach consensus on issues like that of fresh demarcation of provincial boundaries through dialogue. All should stand together to work for nation building,” he said.

Likewise, echoing Deuba’s view, Deputy Prime Ministers Bhim Rawal and Chitra Bahadur KC said that disagreement among political parties over the constitution should be resolved through consensus.

Similarly, former Speaker Subash Chandra Nembang said that all political parties should come together for proper implementation of the constitution.

Also, Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Chairman Upendra Yadav said that major political parties should be serious enough to sort out the problems facing the country.

On the occasion, the late Girija Prasad Koirala Memorial Award carrying a purse of Rs 100,000 was conferred on Nagarik Daily’s editor Gunaraj Luintel and Deshantar Weekly’s Kabir Rana.

Likewise, the ‘Tarini Prasad Koirala Memorial Journalism Award’ carrying a purse of Rs 50,000 was presented to Chudamani Bhattarai, an editor with the Annapurna Post national daily, and Nepal Television news editor Raju Silwal.

Similarly the Club honoured National News Agency ( RSS) correspondent Narayan Prasad Neupane, Gorkhapatra Daily’s Lucky Chaudhary and Radio Nepal’s Khagendra Khatri, among others.