Minister Dr Timilsina: Not All Information on Social Media Is True

Communications Minister Denies Reports of New Mobile Phones for Cabinet Members

Nepal’s Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Bikram Timilsina, has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media about the distribution of new mobile phones to government ministers, calling such information “baseless and misleading.”

During a public engagement with locals at Chhahare bazaar in Likhu rural municipality of Nuwakot district on Friday, Dr. Timilsina addressed the rumor directly, suggesting it was deliberately spread to undermine public trust in the government.

“The information relating to distribution of new mobile phones to ministers is fake,” the minister stated, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it. He urged citizens to be cautious about content they encounter on social media platforms and to determine whether sources are official and credible.

The controversy comes at a time when many Nepali citizens remain sensitive to government spending practices, particularly regarding personal benefits for officials. Dr. Timilsina reassured the public that the government is committed to responsible management of state resources collected through taxation.

“The government is aware that it would not misuse the state resources generated with citizens’ tax,” he said, inviting public oversight by asking people to alert authorities if they witness any misuse of public funds.

Referencing Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration, the Communications Minister highlighted the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward corruption. “There won’t be any irregularity and misuse of post. Government advances action once the question of irregularities is raised,” he affirmed.

Dr. Timilsina’s remarks reflect growing concerns about misinformation in Nepal’s digital landscape, where social media platforms have become prominent sources of news and information for many citizens. The spread of unverified claims has increasingly challenged government communications efforts across various sectors.

The minister took the opportunity to address broader governance issues, acknowledging public frustration with the pace of development and bureaucratic inefficiencies. He promised that the current administration would focus on delivering results rather than rhetoric.

“We don’t speak much, but show with action because we believe in performance and result,” Dr. Timilsina stated, though he cautioned that meaningful development happens gradually rather than instantaneously. He called for patience and cooperation from citizens, encouraging them to maintain positive perspectives on government initiatives.

During his visit to the Nuwakot district, the minister also expressed awareness of local development needs and expectations. He promised necessary interventions to address community aspirations, claiming the government has streamlined processes to complete projects in five years that previously would have taken decades.

Media literacy experts note that incidents like this highlight the growing challenge of misinformation in Nepal’s evolving digital ecosystem. As social media penetration increases across the country, distinguishing between factual reporting and fabricated claims becomes increasingly difficult for many citizens.

The Communications Ministry has been working to strengthen official information channels and improve transparency in government communications, though challenges persist in reaching all segments of the population with accurate information.

Nepal’s government has faced previous controversies regarding official expenditures and benefits, making public sensitivity to such issues particularly acute, especially during times of economic challenges for ordinary citizens.