Broadcast Bill Provisions Not Sacrosanct: Reddy

Information and broadcasting minister S Jaipal Reddy has said that none of the provisions in the broadcasting bill is sacrosanct and he wants to approach the subject with an open mind.

In an interview to Home TV, to be telecast today, Reddy said none of this is sacrosanct. This could change but the change will have to be effected by the all-party parliamentary committee.

This entire framework was prepared before I took over. Nothing is sacred. Anything could go, anything could be added, the minister said, adding that he would not not like to prejudice the debate or discussion when the bill had been presented to a parliamentary committee.

 

Replying to a question, Reddy said I will not support any provision which is designed to or which can enable anybody to control any programme. I want to preserve editorial independence.

The broadcasting bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the budget session, was later referred to a 30-member joint select committee of Parliament.

On the provision for setting up of Broadcasting Authority of India in the bill, Reddy said that it would be more independent than the Press Council.

It shall be my strong, consistent and sincere endeavour to ensure its independence not only through law but through the proper implementation of law, he said.

Reddy assured that the broadcasting authority would not be dominated by bureaucrats and that although the secretary general of the authority would be chosen from a panel of secretaries to the government of India, he would function independently.

I can tell you one thing. We don't want the broadcast authority to be dominated by bureaucrats. Although the secretary general will be chosen from a panel of people who have worked as secretaries because we need experienced bureaucrats. Once he goes over to the authority, he will have nothing to do with the government of India. Any person who goes away from the government for five years will retire there, he said.

Asked about the propriety of Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav refusing to step down following the permission sought by the CBI from the Governor to file chargesheet in the fodder scam, Reddy said that Yadav was the Chief Minister of a state and he was not under the Prime Minister.

We are living in a federal system. The CBI has approached the Governor and the matter is under consideration. We have to watch the process, he said.

When reminded of the phrase that if Caesar's wife should be above suspicion what about Caesar himself, Reddy remarked I agree with you in terms of general principle. But obviously Laloo Prasad Yadav does not share our perception.