Arjun Munda, Former CM:
The subject is one of the important debatable points in a heavily populated country because for both- media and governance- to stand upto a certain criteria is the need of the hour. Although the subject is important for entire world it is especially important for India. When we talk about democracy then we must understand that a human’s life is democratic and there is no need to define it. Freedom is a natural characteristic of humans.
When one talks about freedom of Press one should understand that it is intrinsic in the human nature. However, there is a huge responsibility that comes with that freedom for the torchbearers of media. It not only makes one accountable towards society and the nation but also makes the media persons work for building the nation in the most positive ways.
Governance must be done in tandem with media as a vigilant participant. Both the government and the media houses should recognize the importance of one another and work positively for betterment of the society.
Dr Chandan Mitra, Editor in Chief, The Pioneer:
What is governanceIJ What is the difference between Government and governanceIJ Many people do not know the difference. What I found is that Government stands for rule and governance stands for better rule. First thing under governance is accountability.
People place a Government at Centre or State for five years and the Government and the accountability of politicians and administration. Second thing under good governance is transparency be it tender, Government’s policies or starting a project, everything must done with utmost transparency for good governance.
Honest administration which means a corruption-free administration is a responsibility of politicians, administration. However, the question arises whether Government is discharging its duty with honesty, transparency and accountability.
But who will analyse this and inform whether it is happening or notIJ This can only be done by media because no one else has so much reach and knowledge whether Government is doing work or not and the points raised are being followed or not. That is why media is closely associated with Government and governance because media can only apprise people whether work is being done or not. That is the reason media is called watchdog.
Pawan Bajaj, MD, The Pioneer, Jharkhand Edition:
If differences between common and elite are removed and elite braces the common man than the State will not lag behind on its march to development. There are leaders, who work like common man, practicing good governance in there spheres of work. One should take their example and work for the betterment of all. Media also plays a very important role in making governance transparent to the public.
The first journalist of the world was the Narad Muni found in our epics. He used to pass messages from one channel to another. Another great journalist of the ancient times was Tulsi Das, who made a royal family popular for entire world by writing just one scripture. Today we worship that family. If today media practices positives practices then its role in good governance would be unimaginable.
Today technological advancement in media and journalism has transformed world into a global village and we witness events as it happens. If we can adopt small things in governance and take small measures then we can change the State in a big way.
CP Singh, Urban Development Minister:
India is a democratic country and in a democracy, people talk about legislature, executive and judiciary but the role of guard is performed by Press. Just the way in absence of faith will turn towards immorality and because of faith people fear about implications of wrong deeds. likewise because of media’s fear people refrain from doing wrong deeds.
Media has a great role in governance and that is the reason work in media is divided like the way it has been divided in government. I can say media is important for good governance and it is one of the four wheels of democracy. It is free and it should get more freedom but I would request that there has to be some positive attitude and not just negative attitude. One should also avoid doing credible journalism and disseminating news that doesn’t sensitise the issues. There has to be some suggestions as to what should be done. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said ‘minimum government with maximum governance’ and I believe that media will play its role.