KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has decided to ban all advertisements by federal, provincial, and local government authorities in private media outlets.

The decision, communicated by the Prime Minister’s office to all ministries, commissions, the offices of the seven provincial chief ministers, and local governments nationwide, aims to promote fiscal prudence, ensure transparency in the publication and broadcasting of official notices, and strengthen state-run media.

A letter sent on Wednesday stated that this step was taken “to maintain frugality, guarantee transparency in the dissemination of advertisements and information, and encourage the promotion of government media.”