Online Media to be managed well: Minister Baskota

Kathmandu – Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Baskota, has said government would begin process within a week to manage the online media. 

In response to the queries on appropriation bill relating to his ministry, Minister Baskota said, "Online media have been effective not only in Nepal but across the globe. So, it is simply run by a directive. But, now efforts are on for its regulation and management, thereby making its license obligatory. The Ministry completes the work in a week," he informed. 

According to him, spread of information in some online media and social networking sites are increasing to tarnish the image of national figures, so it was imperative to bring such activities under legal parameter. 

"Online media and social networking sites are different, so these can't be treated from same angle. It needs to be managed, respected and responsible. Although media are not controlled in democracy and there was no intention either, government wants media follows the rule," he emphasized. 

The Minister further said although it was a need and matter for pride for the country to have its own satellite, it’s a question whether the country can afford technically and financially. 

He shared that a taskforce has expedited works to modernize the postal service. 
Minister Baskota revealed that some offices were obstructing the process of expanding 4G service of Nepal Telecom across the country. "The bodies as Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority should not investigate in a way it obstructs the activities. If anyone is found guilty, action was desirable," he showed dissatisfaction. 

He expressed commitment to taking action against telecommunication service providers who have failed to submit the interconnection charge. 
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