Information Minister Rai directs to deliver service being responsible to state, people

Kathmandu / November 24: Minister for Information and Communication Technology Sherdhan Rai has said the National News Agency (RSS) is the sole authentic news agency and it should deliver its service being accountable and responsible to the state and people.

Following his inspection at the RSS Tuesday, the Minister Rai said tremendous efforts were being taken to lead the country towards economic path and progress, and support from all sides including RSS was expected to materialize these efforts.

Minister Rai who is also the Spokesperson for the Government said a change in leadership should not be the concerns of the RSS which is the only news agency of the State.

Underlining the need of carrying out changes in the RSS acts and rules when the country had already decided for federalism, he called for making the agency able to stand on its feet. He was in view of expanding the organisation network to India and China too. He urged the RSS management to come up with a new vision that would help promote the organisation.

On the occasion, RSS Chairman Kul Chandra Wagle said the RSS which has remained as the news source in the country was continuing its service for the last 54 years; and it was providing news in English and Nepali languages, photos and audio clips.

Wagle said the April 25 Earthquake had caused losses to RSS physical infrastructures. The Chairman requested the Communication Ministry to heed towards the need to repair and renovate it. He also pointed out the need to forward the plan put forth to upgrade RSS’s financial strength.

RSS Administrative Chief Somnath Lamichane, English Department Chief Deepraj Sanyal, senior Executive Editor Shyam Rimal, International Department Chief Yekraj Pathak, RSS Employees’ Association Chair Rajaram Karki, Nepal National Employees Organization Chair Prem Prasad Upadhyaya, senior correspondent Narayan Neupane spoke on a wide range of issues including service diversification, protection of physical properties and professionalism, and enhancement employees’ capability and facilities.

They stressed the need for developing news agency policy, editorial freedom, modification of RSS Act and Regulation to suit the need of time. Minister Rai was received by RSS Chair Wagle and GM Acharya. RSS