Gorkhapatra On Path Of Reform

Executive Summary

Gorkhapatra Corporation is a historic public communications institution operating under the full ownership of the Government of Nepal. First published as a weekly newspaper on 24 Baisakh 1958 BS, Gorkhapatra is established as the oldest institution in the history of Nepali journalism. It is not merely a newspaper but also an archive of Nepali journalism and history. The Corporation publishes news, information, public-interest content and multilingual material through Gorkhapatra Daily, The Rising Nepal, Madhupark, Yuwamanch, Muna and online platforms. In addition, Gorkhapatra Online and The Rising Nepal Daily Online have been leading digital journalism in Nepal. Gorkhapatra Daily began publishing its multilingual page, Naya Nepal, on 1 Asoj 2064 BS. These publications have enriched Gorkhapatra linguistically.

The Corporation’s historic legacy, experienced workforce, nationwide news network and multilingual publications are important institutional assets. To respond to the changing communications environment, the expansion of digital media, a competitive market and rising expectations of public communications institutions, improvements are needed in its administrative, financial, editorial, technical and commercial systems. An initial review of departmental details and records has identified key challenges, including audits, recovery of old outstanding debts, settlement of irregularities, budget implementation, subscriber and distribution records, workforce management, timely procurement of printing materials, integrated practices for news gathering, transmission and editing, integration of digital systems, and the safety of physical infrastructure.

After assuming office as General Manager on 22 Asar 2083 BS, detailed information, data and reports were requested from the relevant departments and sections to assess the Corporation’s administrative, financial, inventory, human-resource, editorial and information-technology situation objectively, with the aim of improving institutional performance, good governance, transparency, accountability and effectiveness. Based on the reports received, available records and information, and an initial review, this document ‘Current Status Paper on the Institutional Situation, Challenges and Reform Initiatives of Gorkhapatra Corporation, 2083 BS’ has been prepared to present the Corporation’s current situation, major challenges, need for reform, initiatives taken so far, and future direction and priorities in an integrated manner. Immediately after taking up the post, initiatives were launched possibly for the first time in Gorkhapatra’s history to introduce competitive selection for contract staff, form a task force to clear outstanding audit matters, establish a special mechanism to recover old debts, review staff service regulations, draft an editorial policy, introduce an error log and correction register, expand multilingual publications, and organise subscriber and distribution records. Priority has also been given to economy in spending, controlling duplicate expenditure and making effective use of available resources.

This white paper is a foundational document setting out the Corporation’s initial institutional position, reform initiatives to date, key challenges and future direction. It is expected to serve as a guideline to make the institution modern, capable, accountable and sustainable through effective reform and digital transformation.

Objectives of the White Paper

Make the Corporation’s actual situation public and place it on record.

Strengthen institutional good governance, transparency and accountability.

Present an initial picture of the institution based on available records and departmental information.

Identify areas requiring stronger governance, transparency, accountability and financial discipline.

Set priorities for reform in auditing, debt recovery, budgeting, staffing, distribution, editorial operations and digital systems.

Document reform initiatives undertaken so far and forthcoming work plans.

Identify priority areas for reform.

Establish a basis for future plans and reform programmes.

Policy and Legal Framework

According to the information available, the principal legal and policy documents relating to the Corporation are:

Gorkhapatra Corporation Act, 2019 BS

Gorkhapatra Corporation Regulations, 

2021 BS

Gorkhapatra Corporation Employee Service Conditions Regulations, 2082 BS

Gorkhapatra Corporation Financial Regulations, 2065 BS

Guidelines on Advertising Collection, Publication and Advertising Agencies, 2053 BS (as amended)

Publication Sales and Distribution Guidelines, 2059 BS (as amended)

Policy and Legal Challenges

Review of the Act and regulations: The Gorkhapatra Corporation Act, 2019 BS and the Gorkhapatra Corporation Regulations, 2021 BS need to be replaced with new legislation and regulations suited to current circumstances.

Improvement of employee regulations: Several ambiguities have been identified in the Gorkhapatra Corporation Employee Service Conditions Regulations, 2082 BS. There appears to be no legal alignment between the regulations and the organisational and management (O&M) survey. Amendment of the regulations is therefore essential.

Consistency in financial rules: The provisions of the Corporation’s Financial Regulations, 2065 BS do not appear to align with the Public Procurement Act, 2063 BS and Regulations, 2064 BS, or the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2076 BS and Regulations, 2077 BS.

Emphasis on implementation: Effective implementation is necessary, while ensuring legal consistency among acts, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Institutional Structure, Publications and Service Areas

The Corporation’s head office is located at Dharmapath in Kathmandu. It has regional offices/publication facilities in Biratnagar and Kohalpur. According to available information, the national edition, Biratnagar edition and Kohalpur edition are published from Kathmandu, Biratnagar and Kohalpur, respectively. Information also indicates that provincial offices operate in all seven provinces; the administrative department must confirm the office structure and total number of offices.

Main Publications and Digital Services

Gorkhapatra Daily – a daily newspaper in Nepali.

The Rising Nepal – a daily newspaper in English.

Madhupark – a monthly literary magazine.

Yuwamanch – a monthly magazine aimed at young people.

Muna – a monthly magazine for children.

gorkhapatraonline.com

risingnepaldaily.com

Capital Structure and Financial Position

The figures presented are based on preliminary information available. They should be published as final figures only after the Finance Department has verified their nature, financial year, accounting heading and positive or negative indicators.

Detail Available Initial Detail Certification 

Authorised capital Rs. 30 million Finance Department 

Issued capital Rs. 25 million "

Paid-up capital Rs. 11.5 million "

Net assets Rs. 802.5 million "

Net profit/loss of FY 2081/82 Rs. 186.6 million "

Accumulated profit/loss Rs. 1232.2 million "

Amount to be paid to the govt (Principal/Interest) Rs. 15 million "

Amount kept in the fund Rs. Rs. 759.3 million "

Amount out of the fund Rs. 469.2 million "

Old Outstanding Debts and Recovery

Available information gives the amount of old outstanding debts as ranging from approximately Rs. 410 million to Rs. 500 million. A single verified figure must therefore be established by checking party-wise ledgers, accounting records, confirmation letters and recovery status. A mechanism is being developed to prioritise debt recovery, including a recovery action plan, responsibilities for each party, deadlines, the status of legal proceedings and monthly progress reviews.