Kathmandu, Aug. 7 -- A recent, quietly executed amendment to Nepal's Printing and Publication Act has stirred significant debate in the country's media sector.

The move, made without the knowledge of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, transfers the authority to register and renew media outlets from the Department of Information to district authorities-a shift causing confusion and concern among media professionals.

On July 30, the Nepal Gazette published amendments to 76 laws, including the pivotal Printing and Publication Act, which became known to officials only on Tuesday.

"This provision in the law was changed without the notice of our ministry, and we are unaware where this amendment propos...