(a) whether there is any provision to allow journalists to accompany dignitaries on their foreign visits for coverage purpose;
(b) if so, the criteria adopted in selection of journalists for the said urpose;
(c) whether freelance journalists are also allowed to accompany on such foreign visits; and
(d) if not, the reasons behind such discrimination?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)
(a): Yes.
(b): Media personnel representing organizations/agencies from different regions and
reporting in various official languages, accompany some high Indian dignitaries on their
official visits abroad.
(c): Syndicated journalists and columnists have also traveled on occasions during such
official visits abroad.
(d): Does not arise.