The Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has introduced the National Journalism Award and Senior Journalist Honour Procedures, 2083 BS, establishing a formal framework for recognizing journalists who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s journalism sector, democracy, national interests and public welfare. Issued under Section 45(4) of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2064 BS, the four-page document provides for five annual recognitions carrying a combined cash value of Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million). Under the framework, three journalists or media professionals will receive the National Journalism Award, each carrying Rs 2 lakh and a certificate of appreciation, while two senior journalists will receive the Senior Journalist Honour, also carrying Rs 2 lakh each and a certificate. The awards are intended to encourage responsible, professional, investigative and analytical journalism while recognizing long-standing contributions to Nepal’s media industry.
The procedures establish detailed eligibility and evaluation criteria for both award categories. Candidates for the National Journalism Award must have at least 15 years of professional journalism experience and demonstrate contributions to national sovereignty, social inclusion, social justice, democracy, national interests and citizens’ rights. Their work should reflect objectivity, accountability, professionalism, investigative reporting and analytical journalism, alongside efforts to promote social harmony and strengthen the journalism profession. For the Senior Journalist Honour, candidates must have at least 20 years of journalism experience and be 45 years of age or older. The senior category recognizes sustained contributions to democratic values, social justice, press freedom, national welfare and the professional development of journalism. Both categories prioritize representation from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including Dalits, Indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, disadvantaged groups, persons with disabilities, farmers and workers, as well as journalists from geographically remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
A major feature of the procedures is the establishment of a five-member recommendation committee responsible for collecting nominations, evaluating professional contributions and recommending eligible candidates. The committee will be coordinated by the Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, with representatives nominated by the Federation of Nepali Journalists and the Press Council Nepal, alongside three journalism experts selected by the ministry, including at least one woman. The committee may collect information on journalists’ professional achievements, invite recommendations from media organizations and relevant stakeholders, evaluate candidates according to the prescribed criteria and recommend names to the ministry. The procedures also establish disqualification provisions, excluding individuals who are holding political appointments or positions in government-nominated bodies, have been convicted of criminal offences involving moral turpitude, are serving or awaiting a court-imposed sentence, or have received specified journalism-related awards within restricted periods. Individuals who have already received either of the two recognitions cannot receive the same recognition again.
The ministry will make the final decision on award recipients based on the recommendation committee’s assessment, with the awards scheduled to be presented annually on National Journalism Day, Baisakh 24 BS. The procedures require the government to allocate the necessary funds through the ministry’s approved annual budget, while administrative expenses associated with the award ceremony will also be covered through authorized budgetary provisions. The new framework replaces the previous National Journalism Award and Senior Journalist Honour Procedures, 2079 BS, establishing updated guidelines for award selection, eligibility and institutional oversight. The document sets out the rules for future annual journalism awards but does not announce the names of recipients for 2083 BS or confirm that the awards have already been distributed.
