Democracy without freedom of speech cannot be imagined: President

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said democracy cannot be imagined without freedom of speech and the right to information. Responsible journalism, well-informed citizens and accountable government are integral parts of democracy, she stated at an event with the theme 'National Journalism Award and Senior Journalist Award' organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Kathmandu on Saturday. "The Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed the rights to information and freedom of speech to every citizen as the fundamental rights. It has also ensured that every citizen has got right to information relating to public concerns along with ensuring freedom of speech." She praised the Nepali press for making people aware of all subjects relating to public concerns and for disseminating the right information and creating awareness during disasters like flooding, earthquake, fire and Covid 19 pandemic. It has also helped state organs to formulate appropriate strategies, she said. President Bhandari stressed the need for media to transform the society in a positive way by creating awareness about education, health, clean drinking water, sanitation and environment conservation and against existing superstations, ill customs and gender and race-based discrimination. The president underscored the need for the Nepali press to contribute to organising the May 13 local election in a free and fearless environment. By RSS READ ALSO:  

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