Kathmandu January 2 Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Banskota, has said that independent journalism is the key thing in strong democracy. Inaugurating the newly-constructed building of Kailali chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists at Dhangadhi today, Minister Banskota said that to be self-dependent on its own resources is the main basis to make independent journalism strong. “Basis to live a dignified life will be created if one can be self-dependent in own profession,” he said, adding that the proportional advertisement policy would ensure proportional distribution of the public interest advertisement to the media. Similarly, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of Sudur Paschim (Farwest) State, Jhapat Bahadur Bohara, said that the Sudur Paschim state government would further collaborate to develop capacity of media persons. FNJ Central Vice-Chair Bipul Pokhrel, chairperson of Minimum Wages Fixation Committee, Gangadhar Parajuli, among others talked about welfare of journalists in a programme chaired by Chairperson of FNJ Kailali Chapter, Jagat Saud. Town Development Committee had donated land at Dhangadhi sub-metropolis-9 for building construction. The four-room building was constructed at a cost of three million rupees of Sudur Paschim state government, Dhandadhi sub-metropolis and the then District Development Committee. (Photo available)