Speaking at a program organised at Kathmandu, Minister Yadav said only the vibrant press can help to institutionalise democracy in the country.

Minister Yadav, however, did not mention about the bill on contempt of court registered in the Parliament which has drawn sharp criticism from the media fraternity.

Speaking at a program jointly organised by UNESCO Kathmandu office and Jagaran Media center to facilitate the students who participated on the essay, poem and art competition, Chairman of Federation of Nepali Journalist (FNJ) Mahendra Bista asked the government to withdraw the bill related to contempt of court.  

"There should be an intensive discussion among the stakeholders before the passage of the bill from the Parliament," Bista said. He said that FNJ would continue to exert pressure till the withdrawal of the bill.   

Chairman of Press Council Nepal Borna Bahadur Karki said that if the freedom of press is curtailed, democracy will be in crisis. "The freedom of expression and safety of the journalists are the foundation of vibrant democracy," Karki said.

Laxman Datt Pant, project coordinator at UNESCO journalists' safety project, said essay, poem and art competition was organised to increase the awareness of the student on the issues related to freedom of expression and safety issues.   

On the occasion, Minister Yadav unveiled a book which incorporates the essays, poem and art of the student across the country and also felicitated the students securing first, second and third position.