On National Press Day , Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the crackdown on media during the Emergency and said governments should not interfere in the working of the media.
“Press was silenced during the Emergency and even press council was suspended. Earlier journalists thought a lot before filing a report. But perhaps challenges today are different,” said Modi.
Prime Minister strongly backed press freedom, saying external control of press not good for society as press is instrumental in upholding free speech.
“Freedom of expression must be maintained,” said PM.
“I have been friends with journalists for a long time. They just need 10 per cent of information, they can then find the 90 per cent out. Then the government also becomes used to selective leaking and this needs to be changed,” Modi added.
“Freedom of expression needs to be followed, but there must be limits. Like a mother who tells her children not to eat too much. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that unrestrained writing can create a huge crisis,” said the Prime Minister.
Modi said the Government should not have any interference in the working of the media. He also expressed concern over reports of killing of journalists and said such incidents are ‘painful’.
“By saying that we are independent isn’t enough, the government needs to deal with such cases sternly,” said Modi.
He further praised media for doing a ‘commendable’ job during the Nepal earthquake.
“Media managed to unite all of India into helping its ally and neighbour and also played a very good role in furthering the message of cleanliness.”
