Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Government is committed to media freedom for ever. “Media freedom is the essence of democracy. But it must be also understood that in a democratic civil society, freedom has to be responsible freedom,” Mr Javadekar said while delivering the keynote address on the topic ‘New India: Government and Media’ at the News Conclave organised by Malayala Manorama Company Limited. Reaffirming the Government’s ever continuing commitment towards media freedom, he said “responsible freedom is not regulated freedom; its self regulation using our own methods.”
Perform, Reform and Transform are the three pillars on which New India’s vision has been build upon, he said, adding that the New India envisioned by the Government will be corruption free, terror free, casteism free, communalism free and poverty free.
“We have a diverse country. Diversity is the spirit of India. Live and let live is the basis of Indian philosophy,” the Minister said.
The Union Minister also said incidents of mob lynching are even happening in the country due to rumours spreading in social media. ‘This happens because of the absence of an authority or self regulatory mechanism in social media’, he said. Replying to questions on Governance, the Minister said the Government welcomes all kind of criticism as they give insights into governance.
“We believe in free institutions because they are the strength of democracy”, Mr Javadekar added. Touching upon the media freedom in Kashmir, Mr Javadekar said “though there was a phase of reasonable restrictions, most of them have been being progressively removed every day; and we will have a completely normal, new Kashmir and new India.” Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conclave via video conferencing from Delhi. (UNI)
