‘Nobody will be harassed for writing truth’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured the media that nobody will be harassed for writing truth and called upon them to hold the Government accountable but at the same time cautioned against spread of fake news saying it is their responsibility also to verify the content.
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Replying to discussion on the demands for grants of his departments in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon, Omar, who also holds charge of the Information Department, assured the media that nobody will be punished or harassed for writing and speaking truth.
“The media should hold us accountable. They should show our weaknesses,” he said.
Referring to complaints by some media houses about “pick and choose’ policy in release of Government advertisements, Omar assured that the advertisements will be released in transparent manner. However, he said the newspapers that only thrive on the Government advertisements can’t be called as the newspaper as they have to be self-reliant as well.
Voicing concern over mushrooming growth of newspapers, the Chief Minister said some persons have made fun of the profession by publishing only Government press notes on front pages saying they can’t be called as the newspapers.
Omar also cautioned the media about spread of fake news.
“Few days back, a fake news was spread about allotment of new liquor vends. The news was spread without any verification from the Government. Even responsible newspapers and channels didn’t bother to seek confirmation. Then we had to issue a clarification,” he said.
On the issue of accreditation of journalists, the Chief Minister announced that a review committee would be set up for those whose cases have either been rejected or in the cases where no decision has been taken.
On Press Clubs, Omar said while the Press Club of Jammu is functional, a political colour has been given to Srinagar Press Club with the running of parallel institution.
“There should be one Press Club. When the Committee decides, structure will be given for the Press Club in Srinagar,” he said.
In his reply to cut motions on the demands for grants of his departments, Omar had stated that his Government is in the process of formulating a New Media Policy to encompass emerging platforms including social media platforms, news web portals and websites, for empanelment.
The Government disclosed that the department is in the process of formulating a New Media Policy to encompass emerging platforms including social media platforms, news web portals and websites, for empanelment.
“The formulation of New Media Policy aims to align with the evolving media landscape and adhere to the standards set by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Government of India,” the Government said.
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