Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Officiating Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka has said that the government remains committed to addressing economic challenges amid concerns of certain interest groups exploiting the economic crisis for political gains.
Addressing the 27th anniversary of the Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) in Kathmandu on Friday, Khadka urged the public not to be swayed by unruly factions and to trust the government. Highlighting the significance of the federal, democratic, and republic system, Khadka stressed the need to strengthen and make the system more responsive to the people. “The government is actively engaged in resolving economic issues. I am confident that the economy will come back on track soon,” he added.
Khadka also said global challenges like COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel-Palestine tensions were impacting the world economy. “We need collective efforts to boost income and employment by enhancing the investment climate,” he said, adding that increasing tourist arrivals, growing investment in the service sector, and encouraging remittances bodes well for the country’s economy.
On the occasion, Khadka gave away different awards to economic journalists.
Journalists awarded
SEJON Journalism Award was jointly conferred upon Devendra Bhattarai and Matrika Dahal of Kantipur Daily for their news reports on the fake Bhutanese refugees scam. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000.
Likewise, Ramesh Kumar Neupane of Himal Khabar bagged the Bhola Chalise Liberal Journalism Award. The award carries a purse of Rs 51,000.
Similarly, Rajesh Barma of Clickmandu.com received the SEJON Digital Media Award, Arjun Pokharel of Ujyalo FM received the SEJON Broadcast Media Award, and Muna Kunwar of Nayapatrika Daily received the SEJON Print Media Award. All three awards carry a purse of Rs 50,000.
Likewise, Yagya Banjade of Kantipur Daily received a fellowship of Rs 100,000.
