Kathmandu, July 17
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Banskota, says the government will introduce an ‘umbrella act’ to regulate all forms of mass media including online news portals.
The act will replace existing Press and Publication Act, National Broadcasting Act, Working Journalists Act and other laws related to the media sector, according to Minister Banskota.
Currently, the government does not have any specific law pertaining to online media, which have now rises as the mainstream media of late. The new law is expected to fill the vacuum.
A Cabinet meeting held yesterday has directed the Ministry to draft the bill, he informs.
Meanwhile, the government will also annul existing Press Council Act and dissolve the Council as its roles and responsibilities have changed in the new context. Instead, a new Media Council will be established which will also have rights to take action against media houses, according to the Minister.
In another context, Banskota informs that the government has decided to provide senior journalists, who have crossed 65 years of age and who have been working in the media sector for last 30 years, with a livelihood allowance.
Rs 10 million has been allocated to the fund now, according to him.
