Following widespread criticism from various quarters against the central government over guidelines to curb fake news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday April 3 directed that the newly amended guidelines on fake news be withdrawn and that the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India.
It may be recalled that on Monday April 2 information and broadcasting ministry in its statement said that accreditation of journalists who publish or propagate fake news could be permanently suspended or cancelled as per the amended guidelines of the central government.
However, though it may sound a positive step on the outset, it has created panic among journalists, who, along with the opposition parties, described the guidelines as an attack on the freedom of press.
An emergency meeting was also called at the Press Club of India.
Minister of information and broadcasting Smriti Irani said that the guidelines have generated a lot of debate and that the government was open for suggestions from journalists. “PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against ‘fake news’ have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. @MIB_India is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at @MIB_India,” she tweeted.
