The Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has introduced the “Guidelines for Grant and Financial Assistance Distribution to Journalism-Related Organizations, 2081”, establishing a regulatory framework for providing government financial support to legally registered organizations working in journalism, communication and information services. The six-page directive, issued under the authority of Section 45 of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2064 BS, aims to make the distribution of government grants more systematic, transparent, effective and accountable. Under the guidelines, eligible organizations may receive assistance for programmes supporting the implementation of media-related policies and laws, journalism development, information technology innovation, professional training, seminars, workshops, research, institutional capacity building and the promotion of responsible journalism. The ministry may allocate funding through its approved annual budget and programmes, subject to the availability of financial resources.

The guidelines establish specific eligibility and documentation requirements for journalism-related associations, professional organizations, umbrella bodies and other legally registered institutions seeking government assistance. Applicants must submit an organizational registration certificate, evidence of renewal, an updated tax clearance certificate, an audit report from the preceding fiscal year and progress reports concerning previously received government grants, where applicable. They must also provide information about their organizational objectives, previous achievements, proposed activities, expected beneficiaries, implementation arrangements, estimated costs and available financial resources. To ensure fair allocation, the ministry will publish a public notice allowing at least 15 days for organizations to submit proposals. A designated recommendation committee, coordinated by the ministry’s Joint Secretary, will assess applications based on factors including programme relevance, contribution to journalism development, inclusion, institutional capacity, innovation and public benefit.

A major provision of the directive concerns grant disbursement, financial monitoring and the prevention of misuse of public funds. Selected organizations must sign a formal agreement with the ministry before receiving financial assistance. Approved grants will generally be released in two installments, with the second installment dependent on satisfactory implementation progress and submission of the required documentation. Organizations must maintain proper financial accounts, submit expenditure statements and provide programme completion reports. The guidelines also restrict the use of grant funds for unrelated administrative expenses, employee salaries, allowances and other activities outside the approved programme. However, up to five percent of the allocated budget may be used for authorized administrative expenses, including permitted monitoring, evaluation and meeting-related costs. Organizations that fail to implement approved activities, misuse funds or violate funding conditions may be required to return the grant amount, with applicable interest, and could face restrictions on receiving further assistance.

To strengthen oversight, the ministry will establish a seven-member Grant Recommendation Committee comprising representatives from relevant administrative, legal, financial and communication divisions. The committee will evaluate proposals, recommend appropriate funding allocations and prioritize programmes promoting media professionalism, digital literacy, innovation, inclusive participation and institutional development. The directive also provides for monitoring, financial audits, progress reporting and the recovery of improperly utilized funds. Organizations receiving support must complete their approved activities within the specified implementation period and submit the required reports to the ministry. The document establishes procedures for distributing and supervising government grants rather than announcing an immediate funding opportunity, naming selected beneficiaries or specifying a total grant budget. It provides the administrative basis for future financial assistance programmes aimed at strengthening Nepal’s journalism and communication sector.