(a) whether the Government proposes to delegate more penal powers to Press Council of India (PCI);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the number of proposals received from PCI so far in this regard and action taken thereon;
(d) whether the Government has solicited views from the experts in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which final decision is likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M. JATUA)
(a) to (e):
The Press Council of India (PCI), an autonomous body, was set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 for preserving the freedom of press and maintaining and improving the standard of newspapers and news agencies in India and for inculcating the principles of self regulation among the press.
A proposal for amendment of the Press Council Act, 1978 to arm the Press Council with more powers for effective implementation of its directives has been received from PCI.
The Government is in the process of firming up its view in the matter. The amendments to the PC Act, if considered necessary, would be drafted carefully after wider consultation with stakeholders and evolving consensus on important issues relating to the media.