Kathmandu May 14

– The Minimum Wages Fixation Committee has given its recommendations to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr Yubraj Khatiwada by incorporating the priorities of the media sector to be included in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Committee’s Chairman Rajendra Aryal submitted a nine-point recommendation to Dr Khatiwada, who is also the Minister for Finance, stating to ensure special provision for the media houses hit by the risk of coronavirus.

The Committee has also asked to ensure PCR tests of the journalists working in fields in coronavirus affected districts and Kathmandu, ensure life insurance to them and set up ‘Corona journalist relief fund’. Likewise, the Committee has asked the government to direct the media houses to stop curtailing the facilities, deducting and suspending the salaries and making the journalists and workers jobless. Even the 50 percent discount for the working journalists on their treatment in government and community hospitals was suggested.

Committee’s recommendation also includes establishment of national mass communication institution in all States for the capacity building of journalists.