India and Nepal media mutual relations should be strength - Seraj Ahmad Quraishi

Nepal-India Journalism Dialogue Seminar concluded in Gaur, Nepal.

Gaur (Rautahat), Nepal.

The Nepal-India Journalism Dialogue Seminar, organized with the main objective of dialogue between journalists of Nepal and India to enhance journalism and mutual understanding, concluded in the conference hall of Madhyan National Daily newspaper office located at Ghantaghar Chowk. Representatives of various media houses and prominent personalities of the media sector were present in this program.

The chief guest of the program, National President of Indian Journalist Association, Seraj Ahmad Quraishi spoke on the need to improve the interest, security, respect and working conditions of journalists in Nepal and India. He said that the government should take strict steps to ensure the safety of journalists and enact a journalist protection law and take seriously the murders, threats and other unsafe conditions of journalists.

 Mr. Quraishi further said, "Journalists in Nepal and India are facing dangerous working conditions. Besides, murders and intimidation of journalists have become a common practice. The harassment of journalists should be taken seriously and strict action should be taken against those who kill them. They should be provided security and arms licenses if necessary." He urged the government to ensure legal protection of journalists, government job to one member of the deceased journalist's family, compensation of Rs. 1 crore and free education to the children. He also stressed that journalists are being harassed by corrupt officials, politicians and strongmen by registering fake cases against them in police stations due to dissatisfaction with not writing news in their favour. To stop such harassment of journalists, a committee of District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Right to Information and representatives of journalist organisations should be constituted in each district and action should be taken only after conducting an impartial inquiry of the complaints lodged against the journalists and finding them guilty. Journalists are the fourth pillar of the nation and government steps are necessary for their protection." He proposed that the government should provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000 at the local level, Rs 15,000 at the provincial level and Rs 20,000 at the national level to journalists. The government should give advertisements to newspapers, magazines, electronic channels, news web portals and YouTube channels to work actively. The government should take positive action to establish Journalist Pension Scheme and Journalist Provident Fund. 

He said that necessary steps should be taken to strengthen mutual relations and cultural exchange between the media of Nepal and India. He said that this will enrich the relations between the two countries. 

Media organizations of Nepal and India have started emphasizing on transparency and impartiality in their journalism, which will promote understanding and mutual respect in both the countries. 

Senior journalist of Pratik Dainik Newspaper Shailendra Jha, senior journalist of Madhyan Dainik Newspaper Isteyaq Ahmed, Executive Editor of Madhesh Bhumika Rakesh Yadav, Journalist of Madhyan Rashtriya Dainik Newspaper Satyendra Pratap were present in the seminar program. Singh, Aarohi Television Editor Mewalal Yadav, Mohammad Tanveer Alam, Mohammad Nasir, Azad Khan and media persons from various media fields were present.