Kathmandu, 4 April: Stakeholders have emphasized that the state should invest adequately in enhancing the capacity of journalists. This was stated during a disaster management training program organized today by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Lalitpur chapter with the support of Godawari Municipality Ward No. 3.
Speaking at the training, Bagmati Provincial Assembly member Urmila Lama highlighted that journalists are the mirror of society, and therefore, the state must invest sufficiently in their professional development and capacity building. “There should be proper remuneration, benefits, and arrangements for skill enhancement for journalists. To achieve this, the state must ensure legal and policy provisions that encourage journalism,” she said. “While formulating policy plans in Bagmati Province, we will pay attention to addressing these matters.”
She further expressed that empowering and strengthening journalists will help guide society in a positive direction, and that this training focused on disaster issues will support journalists in gaining skills and competence with renewed energy.
Provincial Assembly member Lama stated that journalists who take risks to gather and disseminate news during disasters must work while ensuring their own safety. Chief District Officer Ramesh Dhakal emphasized that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility, and the role of the journalism sector is even more crucial.
Chairperson of Ward No. 3, Sanuraj Ghimire, remarked that during disasters, lives can be at risk due to carelessness. He urged journalists to fulfill their role in informing the public while prioritizing their own safety.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shyam Krishna Adhikari, Chief of the District Police Office, said that the training would inspire journalists to prioritize safety in their reporting. Superintendent of Armed Police Force Rajesh Lamichhane from Dakshinkali Battalion, Satdobato, expressed confidence that the training would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to work effectively in matters of public and personal safety.
President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Lalitpur Chapter, Ramhari Karki, stated that the training was organized with the objective of providing knowledge and skills related to disaster journalism.
