New Delhi: The government today stressed that media should devise “self evolved mechanisms” to control itself saying freedom of press has not come free and every freedom entails responsibility.
Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar, while speaking at an event organised by ASSOCHAM today, also said with the advent of social media voices can't be stifled. “Media freedom has not come for free and therefore freedom of media entails responsibility also, and that responsibility is what is to be really adhered to. I don't believe in controlling anything, it has to be a self-evolved mechanism,” Javadekar was quoted as saying in a statement by ASSOCHAM.
Highlighting the immense reach of social media, Javadekar said it has become the medium of new generation essentially the youth and a medium of communication and empowerment of people that strengthens the democracy. “Now you can't stifle voices,” he said. The Union Minister said the government was committed to deliver all its promises.
“Today is the 100th day of our government, but we never decided to celebrate 100 days because our mandate is for five years and we will deliver what we have promised but how can we stop people from celebrating any occasion, it's a review and a report card,” Javadekar said.
Speaking about the use of internet and social media by the government, the Union Minister said ministries' websites have been updated.
“The name of recently launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a scheme to financially empower the poor had also originated from an online contest,” Javadekar said, adding that ideas for Doordarshan's Kisan channel would be sought online.
“Modiji used the social media brilliantly to reach out directly to the people and communicate effectively, now our government is using the social media very powerfully and we'll continue to use it,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was also present at the event, said whether it is the UPA or the NDA, social media should be used to engage more people in the processes of government.
On completion of 100 days of the Modi Government, Tharoor was quoted as saying in the statement that, “100 days is far too soon to judge the work of the government and equally 100 days is too early to praise them also.”
