The Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON) has decided to decline a government grant of Rs 10 million allocated to it for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.

The grant was mentioned under Subheading 21 of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s annual development programme. However, SEJON’s executive committee, in a meeting held on Tuesday, unanimously resolved not to accept the funding, SEJON President Sujan Oli confirmed.

Oli clarified that SEJON had neither requested the grant nor accepted any form of unconditional funding from the Ministry. He stated that accepting such a grant would contradict SEJON’s institutional values and its longstanding commitment to promoting fiscal discipline and the efficient use of public funds.

In a statement issued following the decision, SEJON emphasized that at a time when the government is facing fiscal constraints, public funds should be directed toward addressing citizens’ basic needs and improving their livelihoods.

“As an umbrella organization of responsible journalists, we believe that accepting taxpayers' money would be against our professional ethics and integrity. Such resources should instead be allocated for the greater good of the people,” the statement read.

SEJON has long been advocating for transparency, accountability, and prudent public spending, and the organization said this decision reflects its continued dedication to those principles. -- RSS