Ordinance to be Passed, Ensures Communications Minister

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, affirmed that the ordinance presented by the government in the House will be endorsed.

Inaugurating the 32nd anniversary of the Himalaya Eye Hospital in Pokhara today, Minister Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson, stated that the ordinance is essential for promoting good governance and making public services more effective. “The ordinance will contribute to strengthening good governance, a prerequisite for the country’s development,” he said.

He clarified that the ordinances were introduced in line with constitutional provisions to address the need for significant reforms in Nepal’s laws and regulations. He further noted that since ordinances cannot be issued while the parliament is in session, there should be no controversy over the government bringing the ordinance before the parliamentary session began.

Regarding the Social Media Bill, Minister Gurung said the bill aims to curb activities that undermine national unity, law and order, and the people’s rights. He assured that the government has no intention of curtailing freedom of expression and press freedom, adding that the bill’s penalty provisions are open for discussion and amendment.

On a separate note, Minister Gurung pledged necessary support to the Himalaya Eye Hospital.

During the program, former chair of the hospital Dr. Dil Bahadur Chhetri, Gandaki Provincial Assembly member Bhim Karki, chairman of the hospital management committee and president of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh Surendra Thapa Magar, medical director Dr. Babita Gurung, and Federation of Nepali Journalists president Madhav Baral emphasized the need for the Gandaki Provincial government to take ownership of the hospital for its sustainability.