Kathmandu, Feb. 10 -- The National Assembly passed the 'Media Council Bill 2080' in its meeting on Monday, despite significant objections from media professionals. The bill, which includes a provision for the council's chairperson to be appointed by the government, aims to replace the existing Press Council of Nepal with a new body called the Media Council Nepal.

While some aspects of the bill were modified following discussions, the key provision of having a government-appointed chairperson remains unchanged. Critics have argued that this provision could place the council under government influence, undermining its independence.

Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, a member of the National Assembly, expressed concerns about the government's control o...