Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Sunday stressed upon authenticity of news, its implications on people and society besides touching the negative aspects of commercialisation of media and changes needed by the fourth pillar of Democracy incorporate within with changing time. The Chief Minister cautioned the media not to fall victim for the lust of money, spicing up news due to too much competition in media and refrain from presenting biased news to the people.
Das was speaking at a seminar on ‘Media & Governance’ organised by The Pioneer, Jharkhand Edition at SKIPA auditorium in Ranchi on Sunday. Role of media in ensuring good governance and the ramifications of media’s actions on people, society and country were discussed at length in the seminar where the CM, Rajya Sabha member and Editor-in-Chief of The Pioneer Chandan Mitra, Urban Development Minister CP Singh former Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Managing Director of The Pioneer, Jharkahnd Edition Pawan Bajaj were among the eminent speakers to share their views and opinions on the issue whose relevance is growing with evolutions of various forms of media.
“Media has been commercialised after Independence and it has become too professional, which is good, but it should not be for making money. First priority of a professional should be for country and for the interest of society,” said the Chief Minister. Das advised the media to stay away from news items that are divisive in nature and not brew too much negativity and avoid sensationalising every piece of news.
Das enumerated BJP-led State Government’s roadmap for good governance in Jharkhand and expressed his resolve to fulfil aspirations of people which could not be met because of absence of governance as a result of political instability of since inception. “Accountability, transparency, dateline are our Government’s priority. If we can’t fulfil people’s aspirations despite being in stable Government then people will be left heartbroken and it will happen then the country will break,” added the CM.
Minister CP Singh advocated for more power to the media although requested the powerful medium of news circulation to exercise restraint in disseminating news that develops pessimism among people and instead adopt positive attitude towards constructive activities. The Ranchi MlA expressed grief at governance getting affected due to failure of the State in addressing petty problems especially people belonging to rural areas and in the same vein emphasized on different stakeholders of governance to play their part.
“Faults happen, it should be exposed. In many cases media exposes hidden and it is true that if media doesn’t show anything then no action is taken... Since we have to appear before people so we are more responsible however good governance is possible if all stakeholders be it legislative, judiciary and executive play their role. Media has also a role ensuring good governance,” maintained Singh.
RS member Dr Chandand Mitra acknowledged unwarranted changes that the media has gone through in decades, however emphasised that the contributions made towards apprising people of darker side of a Government’s activities is praiseworthy. Mitra underscored the role of media as a watchdog and making people alert through a detailed scrutiny of Government’s activities especially that involves representatives and functionaries in scams.
“We have not been elected, however, we have taken it unto ourselves that we will keep people informing, keep alerting Government and it is up to the Government to listen or not. History shows that those who do not listen to media are thrown out,” asserted Mitra.
like the famous adage that charity begins at home, former CM Arjun Munda delivering his presidential address emphasised on bringing one under the ambit of self-governance and then move on to highest form of governance that touches all and sundry. Munda highlighted the credibility crisis that media faces either because of its association with corporate houses and paid news among other questions that is raised from time to time.
“When we talk about governance then self governance comes first, then governance and finally good governance,” he said. Media’s role in stimulating policies of the State and facilitating good governance was eulogised during the seminar. Bridging gap between empowered and disempowered was also supported for better governance in addition to raising significant issues that affects lives of common man.
“If we can address petty issues then we can change entire State. If we adopt small things as part of governance then we will see quick results,” said Bajaj. The CM also felicitated newly elected MlAs -Raj Sinha (Dhanbad), Gangotri Kujur (Mandar) and Jitu Charan Ram (Kanke)-of the fourth Assembly of Jharkhand.