Act Responsibly
THE press, often referred to as the Fourth Estate, plays a
pivotal role in consolidating democracy and in catering to the information needs of the
people. The role of the press in a backward country like Nepal is all the more important.
Had it not been for the uncompromising press, Nepal’s transition to a democratic set
up from the totalitarian rule would still remain a distant dream. The press has often been
hailed for carrying out the role of a watchdog and cautioning against the anomalies and
aberrations in the society. After the declaration of the state of emergency, people were
skeptical whether the press would be deprived of the freedom and the rights to inform
them. Contrary to the assumptions the government has not curtailed the freedom of the
press. The Prime Minister has gone on the record saying that the government has no
intentions to control the press. As committed by the Prime Minister, the press has been
enjoying the freedom despite the state of emergency. Reiterating the government’s
pledge for an unfettered press, Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash
Prasad Gupta said recently that the government would not suppress the press to justify the
relevance of the state of emergency in the country. He said that the government respects
the sentiment of the Fourth Estate and will not infringe on its rights. Assuring the media
persons that they will be allowed to work freely, the Minister further pointed out that
action against the media persons should not be taken without issuing a prior notice or
letter. The Minister’s statement amply speaks of the government’s earnestness to
have a free press even during the emergency rule. The part, which needs to be realised
earnestly, is that while enjoying the rights, the press should be well aware about its
responsibilities. As rights and responsibilities go together, the press should not publish
materials that give way to social conflict and tension at a time when the country is
passing through a critical juncture. The press should not abuse its rights and should
always ensure that correct information is being catered to the people. Given the fact that
the press acts responsibly, the government has repeatedly stated that it is not for
curtailing its rights. The press and the government hence must have working unity in order
to safeguard the people’s right to information.
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