Date: September 4, 2026

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) expresses serious concern over the ongoing dismissal, on various pretexts, of a large number of working journalists and media workers who have been employed in government-owned media organizations for a long period across the country.

The FNJ considers the dismissal of journalists and media workers from their employment on the eve of major festivals, despite the government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities, as a blatant violation of labor rights and a form of labor exploitation by the state.

The FNJ has received serious complaints regarding the unjust dismissal, harassment, and unnecessary hardship being imposed on working journalists and media workers at Gorkhapatra Corporation, the National News Agency (RSS), and the Public Service Broadcasting organization (Nepal Television and Radio Nepal).

Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina and responsible officials of Gorkhapatra Corporation and other government-owned media organizations had reached an oral understanding with an FNJ delegation that journalists and media workers who had been working for a long period would not be removed. The violation of this understanding is condemnable. Likewise, the FNJ expresses its objection to the failure to honor the commitment that, in cases where dismissal becomes unavoidable, a procedure would be formulated and journalists and media workers would be provided with their entitled services and benefits before being released from employment.

The FNJ strongly demands that all journalists and media workers across the country who have been dismissed with the apparent intention of recruiting those who praise the government and restricting independent journalism in government-owned media be reinstated with dignity, and that any further dismissal process be stopped immediately.

The FNJ also warns the government and concerned authorities not to create a situation that would compel the Federation to launch a phased protest movement if its demands are not addressed.

Ram Prasad Dahal
General Secretary
Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ)