Gandaki, March 17: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that inclusive and democratic information and communications policy is the priority of the government.    

Speaking at the freedom fighter Dayashankar Palikhe memorial journalism award ceremony organized by Federation of Nepali Journalists, Kaski in Pokhara today, he said that inclusive ICT policy is the priority of the government to increase the access of all class, regions, castes, languages and communities to the mass media.    

Stating that the government’s policy is to protect and promote the media as a national service-oriented industry, the Prime Minister emphasized that professional and institutional development of the media will be carried out for the promotion and benefit of the media and media workers.    

He also expressed the commitment to ensure building of necessary structures and infrastructure, including policies, to fully guarantee the freedom of thought and expression, the right to information and the freedom of the press.    

Stating that initiatives are being taken to start operation of international flights to and from Pokhara International Airport, he said that initiatives are being taken with both the neighboring countries for it.    

Lauding the contribution of freedom fighter Dayashankar Palikhe, he said that the award established in his memory has sent a positive message not only in Pokhara but across the country.    
On the occasion, Prime Minister Prachanda presented the Freedom Fighter Dayashankar Palikhe Memorial Journalism Award to Dipendra Shrestha and to Tribhuvan Poudel . (RSS)