PCI chief pitches for 'social security' for journalists

Flagging the issue of job uncertainties in the media sector, Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice C K Prasad Wednesday pitched for providing "social security" to journalists, saying they cannot work properly without it.

He was addressing a gathering at a function held at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) campus here to kick-off the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

"A phrase that is quite popular in the field of journalism, it is called pink slip. Any person, be it editor or reporter, who goes to office, would not know, if he or she is going to continue tomorrow at work," Prasad said.

The PCI chief underlined that one "significant violation" that has gone "unnoticed" in the country, is the "violation of the human rights of the members of the mass media itself".

Prasad in his speech argued that if journalists are expected to do their best, they must be provided social security.

"They must be provided social security. Because, there are claims and counterclaims, and unless a journalist is not going to be protected (with such rights), he or she cannot work properly and honestly," Prasad said.

With the advances in mass communication, media has become more powerful than ever, but three tenets the people in this field should adhere to tell the truth, do not hide it; do not give half-baked news and do not be a mouthpiece of a group or an individual.

"But, this power if not used judiciously, I am afraid may also result in massive violations of human rights. As has happened in the past in riots... Also, many terrorist groups have used media for their own vested agenda," he said.

In his address, the PCI chief also urged the journalists to adequately arm themselves with intricate knowledge of human rights to serve the society better.

"Media has played critical role in educating people about the violation of human rights... In today's scenario where the power of media has grown, they must work cautiously, sensitively and with sheer objectivity," he said.

NHRC chairperson Justice H L Dattu said on several occasions the rights panel has taken suo motu cognisance of human rights violations based on media reports.

"Media has played an important role in educating the masses about human rights and their violations, particularly in geographically distant places," he said.

Prasad, urging the media to highlight the plight of the poor and the marginalised, said "rights of every man are diminished if rights of one man are threatened".

Director General of IIMC, K G Suresh, proposed to build associations between the two institutions IIMC and NHRC -- to further promote awareness about human rights.

A documentary charting the journey of 25 years of the NHRC was also screened on the occasion.

The top three winners of the NHRC's fourth Short Films on Human Rights Competition received Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on the 'Role of Media in Creating Awareness on Human Rights'.