Itahari, Jan 31 : Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota has said Nepal was readying to run the first ever international television channel. Speaking at a programme to launch the NTV Itahari, the fifth channel of Nepal Television, here Friday, Minister Banskota said

the maiden international channel would be broadcasted in English language.    

''We will be running one of the five channels of Nepal Television as NTV World within a year'', informed Baskota, also the Spokesperson of the government, adding, ''It will be broadcasted in English language round the clock.'' Addressing the function, the Minister argued that the channel would be a medium for Nepal and Nepalis to interact with globe.    

He further informed that the government had expedited works to establish an ultra-modern data center in Dharan. Minister Baskota clarified that the license exam for journalists would not be enforced.    

On a different note, the government Spokesperson reminded that MCC was just a grant agreement but not for military strategy.    

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli clicked a bottom from his 'action room' of Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, to officially launch NTV Itahari Channel.    

PM Oli made a 15-minute address via video conference and stressed that it was time for Nepali media to create hope and optimism.    

Also speaking at the inaugural here, Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of State-1, Upper House Member, and State Assembly Members, among others congratulated NTV and suggested local contents on its Itahari channel.    

According to Chairman of Nepal Television, Dr. Mahendra Bista, NTV Itahari channel was a project of around Rs 250 million.