Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Home Affairs has rectified the circular issued to the Chief District Officers to monitor and take action against media outlets.
The circular sent to all 77 districts earlier on Thursday instructed Chief District Officers to set up a desk at the District Administration Offices to monitor online and print media and take necessary actions. The home ministry’s decision had drawn criticism from all quarters with many comparing the decision to Panchayat-era diktats.
Following strong opposition, the home ministry issued a notice on Thursday evening, clarifying that the matter of monitoring and taking action against media outlets was not included in the circular issued to district administration offices.
The ministry has said that its attention has been drawn toward concerns raised by media persons and other stakeholders regarding the provision related to monitoring media outlets in the draft of the circular for Chief District Officers. It added in the notice published on Thursday evening that, considering the concerns raised in the media, the circular has been issued to the local administration after removing the issues related to monitoring media outlets.
