KATHAMNDU, March 22 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs has withdrawn its decision to increase media surveillance. In a circular issued to all District Administration Offices(DAOs) across the country, the Home Ministry had delegated authority to Chief District Officers(CDOs) to regulate and take action against online news portals, social media platforms including Facebook and X and print media if they are found disseminating information that pose challenge to law and order situation.

The decision taken by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane had drawn widespread criticism as various stakeholders including Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) called the move an attempt to practice 'controlled governance'.

In a notice i...