KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledged the importance of investigative journalism in reflecting social realities to the government and to hold the government accountable.

At an interaction on “Use of RTI for credible journalism’ organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in association with the National Information Commission here on Tuesday, Minister Gurung asserted that the investigative journalism was crucial to draw the attention of the government towards public concerns.

Gurung, also Spokesperson of the government, shared that the Mass Media Bill will be introduced only after consulting with all relevant stakeholders, while inviting feedback in the formulation of such an important media legislation.

Underscoring ‘quality’ in journalism, he saw the immediate need for a training centre for the journalists. “We need quality journalism. For that, a training centre is necessary,” the Minister noted.

He also highlighted the need for transparency in the delivery of government to maintain good-governance. According to him, the Right to Information (RTI) would make government further accountable towards people.

Likewise, National Information Commission’s Chief Commissioner Dr Suresh Prasad Acharya spoke of the need for the journalists to exercise RTI more effectively to make governance more citizen-oriented.

Similarly, FNJ President Nirmala Sharma highlighted inseparable connections between journalism and the RTI. She urged Minister Gurung to formulate communication policies and programmes in collaboration with the FNJ to strengthen freedom of press and increase public’s access to information.