Free press is speciality and cornerstone of democracy: Javadekar on National Press Day

New Delhi: Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar while wishing National Press Day on Monday said that "free press" is the speciality and cornerstone of our democracy and highlighted the problem of "fake news" as the biggest crisis faced by the media fraternity today, urging journalists to work in the direction to tackle it. 

"Free Press is the speciality and foundation of our democracy. National Press Day draws our attention to the freedom of press and responsibilities. Today, the biggest crisis is fake news, journalists should work to tackle it. Best wishes to all journalists," he tweeted.

The Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body responsible for governing the conduct of the print media and ensuring freedom of speech, was established on July 4, 1966, by Parliament and officially started working on 16 November of the same year. Since then, the day is celebrated as the National Press Day.

PM says govt committed to upholding freedom of press

New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday lauded media professionals for their role played in strengthening democracy and reiterated the government's commitment to upholding the freedom of press.

In a message on National Press Day, the Prime Minister said, "A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. We are fully committed to upholding freedom of press and expression in all forms. May our media space be used more and more to showcase the skills, strengths and creativity of 125 crore Indians."

The Vice-President tweeted "media plays a key role in strengthening democracy and in informing & empowering the citizens. I laud the mediapersons for keeping the people informed continuously during the pandemic."

The day marks the setting up of the Press Council of India through an Act of Parliament for the presence of an independent and responsible press in India.(UNI)