Freedom Forum is concerned over the denial of information about the provincial government's expenses to the journalists. The incident took place in Province 2.
Journalists were denied information about expenses the Province 2 government made during Indian Prime-Minister Narendra Modi's visit in the Province.
After this, journalist Sailendra Mahato filed a complaint at the National Information Commission, seeking information about the provincial government's financial activities. Following it, Commission directed the provincial government to provide information within seven days. Despite this, journalist Mahato could not receive the demanded information.
According to FF representative for Province 2, Rajan Singh, journalists, Ajay Anuragi and Manika Jha had also registered application seeking information on the expenses of the provincial government during Indian PM's visit. They too were not provided the information.
Journalist Sailendra Mahato is associated with Ujyaalo Network 90 and Todaypati.com. Similarly, Ajay Anuragi is affiliated to Radio Janakpur and Lokaantar.com, and Manika Jha with the Annapurna post daily.
FF takes the incident seriously. It is the violation of citizen's right to information. Right to information is citizen's fundamental rights ensured by the constitution. The province government, therefore, must abide by the constitution. Not providing information of public importance to the citizens is non-transparency and unaccountability which endanger good governance. Without ensuring good governance, democratic values cannot be established.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022