BackCentre working on a bill to regulate digital media: I&B Minister Anurag Thakur
Anurag Thakur also said that registration process of newspapers would be simplified, and the central government would soon bring a new law to replace the 1867 Press and Registration of Books Act
PremiumThe government is working on a bill to regulate digital media, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said in a statement. While speaking at an event organised by Hindi news daily Mahanagar Times, the minister said that the communication of news has become multidimensional.
In a statement, the I&B minister said earlier that there used to be one-way communication of news, but with the development of electronic and digital media, communication of news has become multidimensional. Now even small news of a village reaches the national platform through digital media, he said.
Thakur added that the government has left most of the print, electronic, and digital media to self-regulation. "Digital media presents opportunities as well as challenges. To have a fine balance, government will see what can be done on this," he said.
"I would say that whatever changes have to be brought in law, we will bring that to make your work simple and easy. We are working to introduce a bill," Thakur said.
Further Thakur also said that registration process of newspapers would be simplified, and the central government would soon bring a new law to replace the 1867 Press and Registration of Books Act.
Under the new law, it will be possible to complete the registration process, which now takes about four months, in a week through online mode.
The minister also said that the newspapers should bring the "right news" before the general public at the "right time."
The Union Minister said that the central government is working to bring 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' and the change in the registration of companies was a step in that direction.
He said that along with the shortcomings of the government, the public welfare schemes and policies of the government should reach to the common people.
He urged media to work in a responsible manner and avoid creating an atmosphere of "fear and confusion."
He said that the centre also takes care of the interests of journalists and added that financial assistance was provided to the families of the journalists who died of Covid. Apart from this, the Central Government has now stated work on accrediting journalists working in digital media as well, Thakur said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
