Date: July 10, 2026 

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) draws its serious attention to the government's recent activities, which appear intended to dismiss working journalists who have been employed in state-owned media outlets for a long period.

The contract terms of journalists who have been working at Gorkhapatra Corporation under contract services for over 20 years are set to expire at the end of this month (Ashar masant). According to the 'Gorkhapatra Corporation Service Terms and Conditions Regulations 2025 (2082 BS)', there is a clear provision stating that contract appointments must only be made by establishing a proper procedure. However, violating this provision and instead of renewing the contracts of journalists who have served for years, the Corporation administration has bypassed the law by giving a mere 5-day deadline to announce a large-scale fresh vacancy for new contract recruitments. This action, which goes against the dignity of labor and the provisions of the regulations, is completely flawed and condemnable. Therefore, we urge the administration to suspend the new recruitment notice published on July 10, 2026 (Ashar 26, 2083 BS), and to ensure the professional security of the journalists currently working under contract.

A similar form of labor exploitation has also been ongoing for a long time at the National News Agency (RSS). A new vacancy advertisement has been opened there with the apparent intent of not extending the terms of working journalists, including special correspondents. Furthermore, the renewal process for a large number of working journalists and staff at Radio Nepal and Nepal Television has not yet been initiated. This has heightened uncertainty and insecurity among more than 500 working journalists and employees serving in state-owned media houses.

It is extremely disheartening, inhumane, illegal, and irresponsible for the government and its subordinate state media outlets—which ought to play a leading role in fully implementing the Working Journalists Act and respecting labor—to engage in displacing journalists, openly violating the Act, and depriving journalists who have given their blood and sweat to these media houses for years of their services and benefits.

Therefore, the Federation strongly demands the immediate cancellation of all recently opened vacancy advertisements, the fair management of our working colleagues who have served for years, and the renewal of their contracts.

If the state does not back down from its stubbornness and flawed decision, the Federation warns that it will be forced to launch a stern, phased agitation and struggle to safeguard the professional security of working journalists.

Ramesh Khatiwada

Secretary