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Nepal can’t afford qualification test for journalists, should be removed: Minister Baskota

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Baskota speaks at a function in Kathmandu on Monday, July 1, 2019.

Kathmandu, January 28

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Baskota has commented that the country cannot afford the system of requiring journalists to pass a qualification test to obtain a licence.

Minister Baskota’s comment comes a day after the Legislation Committee in the National Assembly endorsed the Media Council Bill that also introduces the provision. Whereas there was no such provision in the original draft registered by the government, the House panel had inserted it owing to the demand of Thagendra Prakash Puri, a lawmaker of the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

Responding to the development, Baskota, also the government spokesperson, says the system is unnecessary and impractical.

“What will you cover in the exam? Photography? Cartoons or what? After all, the media council is not a university,” he questions, “Then, when will the council conduct the exams? Else, there should a department functional for one hour every day.”

“This is complicated and not necessary.”

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