The Central government of India has recently released the Central Media Accreditation Guidelines-2022, sparking widespread discussion and reaction. Applications for accreditation are scrutinized by a Central Press Accreditation Committee headed by the DG, PIB. Currently, the country boasts 2,457 journalists accredited by the PIB.
Provisions under the Central Media Accreditation Guidelines
There are two major categories in these guidelines: provisions to withdraw or suspend accreditation and provisions for granting accreditation.
Suspension or Withdrawal of Accreditation
A journalist’s accreditation can be withdrawn or suspended if they act against the country’s security, sovereignty, and integrity, disrupt friendly relations with foreign countries, disturb public order, or get charged with a serious cognisable offence. This also includes actions that go against decency or morality, or are related to contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence. Accredited media personnel are also barred from using the phrase “Accredited to the government of India” on any public/social media profile, visiting cards, letterheads, or any form of published work.
Granting Accreditation
Accreditation is limited to journalists residing in the Delhi NCR region. There are various categories, and a journalist must have minimum five years’ experience as a full-time working journalist or a cameraperson in a news organisation, or a minimum of 15 years as a freelancer to qualify. Veteran journalists with over 30 years of experience and who are above 65 years of age, are also eligible. Newspapers or periodicals need a minimum daily circulation of 10,000 and news agencies require at least 100 subscribers. Similar rules apply for foreign news organisations and journalists. Journalists working with digital news platforms can apply, on the condition that their website has a minimum of 10 lakh unique monthly visitors. Freelance journalists working for foreign news media organisations are excluded from accreditation.
The Central Media Accreditation Committee (CMAC)
The Government will set up a CMAC, which will be chaired by the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and consist of up to 25 government-nominated members. The committee’s role will be to fulfill the tasks outlined in these guidelines. The CMAC will operate for two years from its first meeting date and will meet once every quarter or more if needed.
Concerns Regarding the Guidelines
Some critics argue that the guidelines could give too much power to government officials in determining what is defamatory or prejudicial to India’s sovereignty or integrity. Some fear this could result in public figures or entities trying to intimidate journalists or block information from being disseminated. Journalists often report on sensitive matters or policy decisions that the government might disagree with, which could put them at risk under these new provisions.
Benefits of Accreditation
Accredited journalists enjoy several benefits, including access to high-profile events where dignitaries such as the President, Vice President, or Prime Minister are present. Accreditation also helps protect the anonymity of a journalist’s sources; they don’t need to reveal who they are meeting when entering union ministry offices. Other benefits for the journalist and their family include inclusion in the Central Government Health Scheme and some railway ticket concessions.
Constitutional Provisions related to Freedom of Press
The Indian Constitution, under Article 19, protects the freedom of speech and expression, which implicitly includes the freedom of the press. However, this freedom isn’t absolute. Restrictions can be implemented for the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, maintaining friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, or incitement of an offence.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024