FNJ hands over health kits to RSS

Kathmandu - Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) distributed health safety kits to journalists serving with Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), the news agency which is regularly disseminating news during critical time of COVID-19 fear. A team headed by FNJ general-secretary Ramesh Bista on Wednesday handed over the support materials to RSS executive chair Harihar Adhikari 'Shyamal'. The support materials provided to RSS include 50 pairs of gloves, 50 medical masks, 10 sanitizers and some jackets. On the occasion, FNJ general secretary Bista shared that the materials were symbolically provided to impart a message to working journalists risking their lives in field that the FNJ was with them. "Health workers, security personnel and media workers have been deputed in field. In the present time of human crisis, the role of journalists involved in producing and imparting information is paramount. Equally important is the safety of journalists", Bista said.

Drawing attention that every media house should offer career development and relief to journalists risking their lives in duty, he expressed his hope that the RSS would also institutionally evaluate its journalists' performance during the critical time. Informing that RSS journalists and employees have been engaged in the delivery of news service in the crisis time, RSS chair Shyamal expressed gratitude to FNJ for the token support at a time when there is shortage of health aid in the market. Noting that RSS has continued its best efforts to make its service up to the mark despite critical time, he said, "We are very cautious to continue RSS news service even when other media shut their service. Some of our colleagues are delivering their service from home. So, our small team is physically present at the office to manage its service".

Problems are surfaced in some instances in regard to the most essential service of RSS when decision-making level of the state does not rightly get along its role, he said, urging the state apparatuses to be sensitive in the critical moment. He also said that the RSS was sensitive to its working journalists and employees in the emergency situation. Also present on the occasion were FNJ central secretary Sheetal Mahato, central treasurer Rajesh Mishra, central member and Press Council Nepal member Govinda Chaulagain, central member Janmadev Jaishi and FNJ RSS chapter chair Narayan Prasad Ghimire.