May 05, 2024
Kathmandu: Radio Nepal has celebrated its 73rd anniversary with various programmers today.
Inaugurating the anniversary ceremony on the premises of Radio Nepal in Singha Durbar, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharam said Radio Nepal should produce and broadcast inclusive and people-oriented programs adopting the latest technologies in the competitive market.
”Radio Nepal’s role is equally crucial in the present time as well in a bid to ensure people’s access and right to information and entertainment by internalizing the changes in political scenario and technology,” Minister Sharma added.
Minister Sharma viewed that the role of Radio Nepal is more significant to safeguard achievements gained in the country—democratic republic, constitution and inclusive policies, to institutionalize the achievements and take them among the people.
She further said that Radio Nepal has revised itself as per the changing context of the country and pointed out the need for further reforms in some of the contexts.
Stating that Radio Nepal has taken a policy of expanding its broadcasting coverage to every corner of the country, Communication Minister Sharma asked all the concerned sides to work with a firm dedication to achieve the target.
Minister Sharma opined that necessary laws including Mass Communication Act and Media Council Act are in the formulation process based on advice and suggestion of legal experts and concerned bodies.
Saying Radio Nepal, Gorkhapatra and Nepal Television are important media of communications, she shared that the government is in preparation to forward the Public Service Broadcasting Bill.
On the occasion, Secretary of the Communication Ministry and Chairperson of the Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, Krishna Bahadur Raut, said Radio Nepal had been playing a positive role in changing the society through the contents as per the interest and demand of all Nepalis including the marginalized, backward and indigenous nationalities.
Communication Secretary Raut added that Radio Nepal should establish itself as the first choice of people to enhance its broadcasting.
Likewise, the Executive Director of Radio Nepal Buddhi Bahadur KC said Radio Nepal has succeeded in expanding its broadcasting coverage to 92% of the country’s population by utilizing the latest technologies.
Executive Director KC pledged to expand its broadcasting services throughout the country with the FM band as FM radio has gained popularity in Nepal due to affordable technology and the audiences’ choice.
Executive Director KC stated that Radio Nepal has given continuity to expand its broadcasting service as per the government’s policy of expanding a hundred per cent broadcasting coverage to all populations within the 15th five-year plan.
Executive Director KC added that Radio Nepal launched relay stations at Durlungkot of Parbat, Silauti Danda of Panchthar and Chaupatta of Dang district this year for the expansion of broadcasting coverage.
Likewise, Radio Nepal’s Deputy Executive Director Khagendra Khatri said Radio Nepal was committed to reforming itself in the changing context to make it the first choice of the audience.
On the occasion of its 73rd anniversary, Radio Nepal honoured senior singer and music composer Madhav Shrestha ‘Mohit’ and senior broadcaster Dhana Lama with this year’s Srastha Samman Award. The award carries a purse of 51 thousand and 1 rupee including a felicitation letter.
On the occasion, first, second and third position-holder singers, outstanding lyricists and music composers of the ‘Nationwide Modern Song Competition’ organized by radio Nepal were also honoured with cash prizes and certificates.
Similarly, Radio Nepal’s different department’s outstanding employees were provided with cash prizes and certificates.
This year’s employees of the year are Deputy Director of Engineering Division Purushotam Manandhar, and Chief Administrative officer of the Administration Division, Indrajit Thapa. Similarly, the Editor of the Provincial broadcasting station Dhankuta, Sukhakala Rai and the Office assistant at the central office in Singha Durbar, Shivaji Khadka were declared best employees of the year.
Likewise, provincial broadcasting station Dhankuta was declared this year’s outstanding office among Radio Nepal’s broadcasting stations.
On the occasion, Megaraj Khadka of Rukum West received a ‘best Stringer award’ with a cash prize and certificate.