Democracy Must Reach People’s Level Through Media: Minister Gurung

As Nepal marks National Democracy Day, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has emphasized the need to uphold the values of democracy and ensure that its spirit reaches the grassroots level.

In an interview with Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Minister Gurung underscored the historical significance of Democracy Day, which commemorates the end of the 104-year Rana autocracy and the establishment of democratic governance in Nepal. He called for renewed efforts to celebrate the occasion as a national festival, highlighting its role in shaping an open and democratic society.

Strengthening Democracy Through Governance Reforms

Addressing concerns that citizens have yet to fully experience the benefits of democracy, Minister Gurung stated that structural and legal reforms are necessary to enhance service delivery and governance. He pointed out that many existing laws, including those regulating media and telecommunications, date back to the Panchayat era and need urgent revisions to align with Nepal’s federal democratic framework.

“The government has introduced six ordinances aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery, ensuring that democracy is not just theoretical but also practical in citizens’ daily lives,” he said.

Press Freedom and Social Media Regulation

Recognizing the media’s role in upholding democracy, Minister Gurung reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom. However, he emphasized the need for regulations to manage social media platforms, which, unlike traditional media, remain largely unregulated.

“The misuse of social networking sites, spreading misinformation and promoting social unrest, must be addressed,” he noted, defending the new bill on social media regulation as a necessary step to protect national unity and sovereignty. He clarified that the bill aims to bring social media under legal and taxation frameworks, ensuring accountability while safeguarding freedom of speech.

Modernizing RSS for a Stronger Democracy

On the occasion of RSS’ 64th anniversary, which coincides with Democracy Day, Minister Gurung praised the national news agency’s role in promoting democracy. However, he stressed the need for modernization, urging legal reforms, technological upgrades, and enhanced managerial efficiency to elevate RSS to international standards.

“The RSS Act, formulated during King Mahendra’s reign, is outdated. We must revise its structure, train high-caliber journalists, and adopt modern technology to make RSS a globally competitive institution,” he stated.

Call to Preserve Democratic Values

In his concluding remarks, Minister Gurung urged the younger generation to recognize the sacrifices of Nepal’s martyrs and appreciate the importance of democracy. He called on media organizations to play a proactive role in educating the public on democratic values and ensuring that the legacy of Nepal’s democratic struggle is preserved for future generations.