(a) whether as per the World Press Freedom Index 2014, India’s ranking in the global press freedom index has fallen significantly;
(b) if so, the details thereof and whether the Government has examined the said report; and
(c) if so, the response thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (c): The Government has come across reports carrying the survey of ‘World Press Freedom Index, 2014’ compiled by the body ‘Reporters Without Borders’. The ranking of India in the World Press Freedom Index, 2014 is same as in the Index for the year 2013.
A number of reports are available on internet covering aspects like freedom of speech, transparency and censorship on internet. Different methodology, data and techniques for data collection are followed for preparing the reports. The sources of data collection are not disclosed. However, the Government has not conducted any study of the Report which ranks India on global press freedom.