Date : April 6, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has decided to launch the first phase of a protest campaign to pressure the government, as no positive steps have been taken to immediately withdraw a circular issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The circular, directed to all federal ministries, commissions, secretariats, and provincial and local levels, mandates that government notices and information be published and broadcast exclusively through state-owned media.

The Federation is escalating its pressure starting from Chaitra 25 (April 7), asserting that this government decision directly undermines the interests of private media and independent journalism.

Despite meeting with the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Bikram Timilsina, to demand the revocation of the decision, no action was taken. Consequently, the following protest programs have been scheduled:

• 2082/12/25: Interaction with former Presidents of the Federation.

• 2082/12/26: Meeting with editors of national dailies, weeklies, and online news portals.

• 2082/12/27: Dialogue with the leaders of parliamentary parties.

• 2082/12/28 and 29: Meeting of the FNJ Central Committee.

If the demands are not met within this period, further protest programs will be announced. It has also been decided that provincial committees and district branches will execute the protest programs set by the Central Committee.

Furthermore, the Federation urges media houses to ensure regular remuneration, benefits, and facilities for working journalists.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary