State Assembly members blame the bill as repressive

Members of Sudur Paschim State Assembly have stressed the need to make correction on the Bill designed to manage Radio, FM and Television broadcasting-2076, saying the bill is repressive.

Taking part in discussion on the bill in the meeting of State Assembly held on Monday, state assembly members argued that including a provision of curtailing the press freedom was against the Constitution.

They said that bill should be brought only after formulating Communication Policy and press should be made accountable and transparent to manage and regulate Radio, FM and Television.

Responding to queries raised during the discussion, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Pathan Singh Bohara, on the behalf of Internal Affairs and Law Minister, said that the government even could not imagine curtailing press freedom.

He said the bill could be revised in days ahead if there is any weakness.

SA members Akkal Bahadur Rawal, Purna Joshi, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, Shyam Lal Rana Tharu and Malamati Kumari Tharu Magar had participated in the discussion.

Similarly, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Environment, Maya Bhatta tabled two bills—bill designed to register private business-2076 and bill designed to register business in partnership-2076 in the meeting.

The next meeting has been scheduled for coming January 29.