Minister Timilsina calls for stricter regulation of public welfare advertisements

Kathmandu – Minister for Information and Communications, Dr. Bikram Timilsina, has emphasized the need for stricter regulation in the distribution of public welfare advertisements.

Addressing a ministry-level subject committee meeting on Wednesday, he stressed that funds collected from taxpayers should not be misused.

He raised serious concerns about the operation of most media outlets solely for the purpose of obtaining grants and advertisements.

Minister Timilsina highlighted the necessity of reviewing the effectiveness of media outlets, their role in job creation, and their contribution to public welfare.

He stated that a detailed study should be conducted to determine whether public welfare advertisements truly benefit the people, and clear standards should be established.

He clarified that there should be a fair evaluation of the contributions made by media organizations or other entities receiving state funds for the country and its people.

“The public has entrusted a portion of their earnings to the government, and no one has the right to misuse it,” said Minister Timilsina. “What benefits have radio, television, and newspapers, which operate solely to receive grants and advertisement money, provided to the country? The call for reform must come from within the media sector itself. The government should not distribute funds to institutions that do not serve the public interest.”

Additionally, Minister Timilsina directed strict monitoring of the growing trend of a single institution receiving multiple benefits and grants from federal, provincial, and local governments.

He maintained that public funds should not be distributed to please individuals or for personal gain, emphasizing that state funds must be spent purely for the benefit of the country and its people.