Government Fully Committed to Press Freedom: Minister Timilsina

Minister for Information and Communication Bikram Timilsina has reaffirmed the government's commitment to full press freedom, stating that any attempt to interfere with media independence will not be tolerated.

Responding to lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Timilsina said the government is prepared to take action against anyone found undermining press freedom.

Addressing concerns over the dissolution of institutions linked to journalists' rights, the minister said it was unclear which organization was being referred to. However, if the issue concerned a minimum wage-related body, he argued that a permanent institution was not necessary to carry out such responsibilities effectively.

He maintained that the government's decision was aimed at ensuring efficient use of public funds, not weakening labor rights or press freedom. Timilsina also stressed that the government remains fully accountable and committed to implementing minimum wage provisions more effectively than before.