Nepali Congress Opposes Government Decision to Restrict Ads to State Media

Kathmandu. The Nepali Congress has expressed strong objection to the government's recent decision prohibiting the placement of government advertisements in private media outlets. Speaking at Wednesday's House of Representatives meeting, Congress lawmaker Narendra Kumar Kerung criticized the move, stating it contradicts the principles of a liberal economy and democratic values.

Lawmaker Kerung described it as unfortunate that such a discriminatory decision, which threatens to cripple the private press, was made immediately after the formation of the new government. 'The decision to stop government advertisements for private media is an attempt to take the bread out of the mouths of the media sector,' he said. 'The government must immediately withdraw this decision and ensure the right of private media to survive.' 

He further argued that press freedom and professionalism cannot be protected by sidelining the private sector. Last Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers issued a secretary-level directive instructing all federal, provincial, and local government bodies to publish and broadcast advertisements and notices exclusively through state-owned media. 

The government's circular has drawn widespread criticism from the media sector, with concerns that private newspapers, television stations, radio, and online news portals across the country will face a crisis. Through Parliament, the Congress has drawn the government's attention to the fact that this move discourages private investment and must be rectified immediately.