Kathmandu, July 20: The meeting of the Committee on Education, Health and Information Technology under the House of Representatives witnessed diverse views on Media Council Bill. During the meeting held on Sunday, the lawmakers put forth their views on relevance, need and form of the Media Council.
Devendra Paudel said Media Council is essential to regulate those who spread fake news and assassinate character. Clear provision on curbing fake news is essential, he said, adding that independent and capable persons should be appointed through competition in the Council.
Although anarchy was unleashed in the name of full freedom of press and journalism, the press freedom must not be suppressed while curbing anarchy in media, according to Rekha Sharma.
Sumana Shrestha viewed only full autonomy of Council along with inclusive and proportional mechanism can deliver well.
Major basis of the Council should be citizen’s right to access information, Bidya Bhattarai said, underling the need of fair and transparent media, which is a perquisite to democracy. The Bill should pay heed to this aspect.
On the occasion, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said the Bill was needed to make electronic, online and print media accountable, credible and dignified. “Currently, there is anarchy in media, which warrants regulation,” he said, adding that agreement was made for the provision of ‘Mass Communications Council’. It will be ensured autonomous as per suggestions.
Other lawmakers also underlined the need of free and accountable press and the establishment of Media Council as an autonomous body. Earlier, the Bill was passed by the National Assembly and sent to the House of Representatives.
