New government urges media for constructive news coverage

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government outlined directives for news coverage.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday urged the media to report "constructive work," not "destructive."

"Destructive work is bad news," said Naidu. Reminding journalists of their "sacred duty," the minister said the "media would do great human service" if it performed its duty.

Naidu, who addressed the media on the just-concluded first session of the sixteenth Lok Sabha, said he "did not intend to give a sermon" but it was "his duty" to tell them how to focus on constructive debate.

He again reminded the media of its role in society urging it to "avoid misleading information" and to "ensure accurate reporting."

Naidu said government spokespersons will keep the media informed about workings of ministries and all they needed to know. But file notings, administrative decisions and Cabinet notes were out of the spokespersons' ambit, he said.

Naidu said the "biggest takeaway" from the parliamentary session was "contrary to the past, the prime minister's speech flowed from the heart." Dismissing criticism it was high on rhetoric rather than content, he said, it had "spiritual dimension" and the "potential to convert cynics."

He also highlighted the change in "work culture and attitude" was vital for ministries. Citing the example of his urban development ministry, Naidu said, "All have to be in office one minute before nine." The government has been on a cleaning spree, with directives to all ministries to keep their work environment clean.

Every other day, ministries have been issuing press releases on the quantity of waste paper and files cleaned. "Environment and efficiency go hand in hand," he said. "Punctuality and perforamnce go hand in hand and discipline and delivery go hand in hand."

LISTEN UP, REPORTER
n Report "constructive work," not "destructive."
n Avoid misleading information
n Ensure accurate reporting