Mismanagement by Delhi University authorities was blamed for accredited journalists being kept away from covering a function attended by President Pranab Mukherjee here today.
Reporters and photo journalists, who are accredited by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), were seen entering into heated arguments with security personnel outside Old Vice Regal Building inside the university's campus to secure entry to cover the ninth convocation ceremony.
The mediapersons were barred from entering the venue on the basis of PIB card, issued by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to facilitate access to journalists in government departments guarded by central security police forces among others after extensive police verification.
When an aggrieved journalist contacted DU Registrar Alka Sharma, she said "I have instructed security personnel to allow entry to reporters on the basis of PIB card. If they are not allowing, I can't do anything about it".
Incidentally, the Registrar's office had through an email yesterday requested details of reporters from media organisations to ensure coverage.
"I do not know how it happened. I had given my name but now they are not allowing me. DU officials are also not answering their phone," said a journalist, accompanied by his photographer, from a Hindi daily.
