Question : FOREIGN PRINT MEDIA

(a) the facilities extended to the foreign print media in the country;

(b) whether our print media also enjoy the similar facilities in the developed and developing countries of the world;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the safeguards taken to protect the country`s interest in the matter?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) Accreditation at the headquarters of the Government of India is granted to the representatives of foreign print media. Accredited journalists are extended the following facilities:

(i) Customs Duty exemption on import of professional equipment up to c.i.f. value of Rs. One lakh.

(ii) 50% concession in Rail fare except on Rajdhani and Shatabadi Express subject to limit of distance up to 30,000 kms per year.

(iii)Telephone connection on priority.

(iv) Supply of press material.

(b) & (c): Facilities extended to Indian print media in developed and developing countries vary from country to country. Ministry of External Affairs have informed that in some countries, they are given nothing more than accreditation, while in some other countries, they are equated with non-diplomatic India-based staff of our Missions and thus allowed duty-free import of goods. The following facilities are extended to Indian print media in some countries:

(i)	Issue of identity cards.

(ii)	Opening of Press Centres at the time of major Summits.

(iii) Arrangement of meetings with Government officials.

(iv)	Membership of `Foreign Correspondents Associations`.