Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A task force formed by the government to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment has collected suggestions from leaders of major media newsrooms across the country.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s political adviser, Asim Shah, who is also the coordinator of the task force, held discussions on Tuesday with 55 editors and media experts to collect their suggestions.
Speaking on the occasion, task force coordinator Shah said the media had played an important role in promulgating the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, and added that the perspectives of editors and communication experts were equally essential for any future amendments. “You have continuously kept the government alert through constant scrutiny. We expect both critical and constructive suggestions from you,” Shah said. “Since you are more aware of the problems faced by ordinary people, you can suggest which constitutional provisions should be amended and which should remain unchanged.”
Participants in the discussion shared a common view that the constitutional guarantee of full press freedom should be further strengthened.
Although press freedom is enshrined in the constitution, they said there have been attempts to curtail it in practice. They also demanded that the constitution explicitly prevent any form of intimidation or punishment against journalists solely for publishing news reports, while upholding the right to information.
Participants also provided suggestions on issues including women’s participation, inclusiveness, citizenship and fundamental rights. They also expressed their views on the electoral system and the form of governance.
