freedom1 Forum extends sincere congratulations to former secretary of Nepal Government Mr Krishna Hari Baskota on his appointment as Chief Commissioner of the National Information Commission and journalists Mr Kiran Pokhrel and Ms Yeshoda Timalsina as its members.

These posts in the Commission with major responsibilities of use, protection and promotion of the right to information (RTI) law, which was brought to build an open and transparent society and accountable state, remained unfilled for two years. It resulted in several problems and badly obstructed civic movement of access to information. The newly appointed officials in the NIC have many significant agenda at this challenging moment.

We hope the officials will play their roles responsibly for the protection and promotion of citizen’s fundamental rights by enhancing the prestige of the Commission.

The Commission officials should be exemplary in term of transparency, integrity and accountability in the public life. freedom1 Forum wishes the newly appointed office-bearers internalize the letter and spirit of the RTI, garnered people’s confidence, and got success on making the Commission’s functioning more effective.

Also, freedom1 Forum expresses its commitment to extend any sort of assistance and solidarity to the Commission to this regard.