Yogi Adityanath Government In Uttar Pradesh To Keep A Close Eye On Negative News; What Journalists Say? What Govt Said?

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all district magistrates to seek clarification from the managements of media groups if they publish 'negative' news that can tarnish the state's image or presents 'wrong facts' in its reports.

Negative news reports will be registered on IGRS

In an order, Sanjay Prasad, principal secretary to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, said negative news reports will be registered on the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) and sent to the concerned divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and departmental heads for action.
 
Prasad said the Information Department collects negative news published in daily newspapers and media.
 

'Attempt to intimidate journalists'

Some journalists see the Uttar Pradesh government's order as an attempt to intimidate journalists.


They said that a large part of the media is already standing with the BJP. Only a handful of scribes are left who are raising questions. Now all efforts are being made to intimidate and silence them as well.
 

‘Yogi govt had imposed restrictions on media even in first term’

Some of the scribes also said that the Yogi government had imposed restrictions on journalists even in its first term. There have been cases against journalists for writing or giving news that questions the government. This step of the government is like an undeclared emergency.

‘Aim is not to scare the media persons’

Yogi Adityanath's media advisor Mrityunjay Kumar, however, said, "The purpose of this is not to scare the media persons. Many such news are published in the districts that there irregularities in some departments. The road is dilapidated. The treatment is not being done properly in the hospital. In other words media raises the public issues and the aim is to take cognizance of such things."

Kumar said this is a positive step. He said the makes no mention of any action anywhere. But this order is being interpreted as if the government is thinking of punishing the journalists. This step will only curb fake news, he said.

Kumar further said, "No such legal aspect has been put anywhere in this order of the government, under which action can be taken against journalists. Its intention is to ensure accountability in journalism."