Date : August 29, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is seriously concerned over the government’s discreet amendment and implementation of the procedure to drastically cut the monthly amount newspapers have been receiving for publishing public welfare advertisements, at a time when the entire country is deeply shocked and grieving over the unimaginable loss of human lives and property caused by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River.

The Public Welfare Advertisement Publication Procedure for Print Media (First Amendment), 2083, approved by Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina on Bhadra 5, has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the amount received by newspapers published outside Kathmandu for such advertisements. The FNJ believes that introducing a procedure that contradicts the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2083/84, which has already been passed by the Federal Parliament and implemented with an increase in the overall allocation for public welfare advertisements, reflects the government’s unsympathetic attitude toward the media sector.

The FNJ strongly condemns the government’s decision to further weaken local, provincial and national media outlets financially, despite their vital role in reaching people at the grassroots level, bringing their voices to the forefront, and informing the public about the activities of the government.

The decision to interfere with the future of the media without even demonstrating the basic democratic practice of consulting concerned stakeholders is deplorable.

The FNJ strongly demands that the government immediately withdraw this anti-media decision, which affects the livelihoods of many media professionals, and restore the previous rate of payment for public welfare advertisements. The FNJ also urges the government to make arrangements to provide public welfare advertisements to online media outlets as well.

The FNJ warns that if its demands are not addressed immediately, it will be compelled to launch a nationwide movement in protest against the government’s decision.

Ram Prasad Dahal
General Secretary