Independent authority for media freedom in India, 'Indian Media Service Board' proposed

New Delhi: A private member bill has been approved for consideration by the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. This bill proposes to create an independent authority for media services in the country. This bill is being called the Indian Media Services (Regulation and Licensing) Bill 2024. This bill has been introduced by Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Dr. V. Sivadasan. This information was given in a Rajya Sabha bulletin.

According to the bulletin, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha that the President has recommended consideration of this bill. Private member bills which are likely to incur expenditure from the government treasury have to get the approval of the President. After this, the concerned ministry decides whether such a bill can be discussed in the Rajya Sabha or not.

This bill talks about creating an independent body 'Indian Media Services Board', whose job will be to regulate and issue licenses to media services. The purpose of this board will be to promote independent and fair media services in the country. According to the bill, after the law is passed, the central government will have to establish this board within six months. This board will also be provided funds to oversee media services.