Government agrees to review Broadcast Bill
With only a few days left for the current Parliament session to end, the government today indicated it was unlikely to table the Broadcast Bill next week in the midst of a standoff with broadcasters on the "Content" Code.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: With only a few days left for the current Parliament session to end, the government today indicated it was unlikely to table the Broadcast Bill next week in the midst of a standoff with broadcasters on the "Content" Code.
"The bill is not ready as yet," P R Dasmunsi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, said adding, he will discuss it further with the various political parties. The session is due to end on September 14.
Softening his stand on the code after meeting the broadcasters, editors and cable operators last night, the Minister observed the stakeholders were "not in favour of any regulations as they have some apprehensions."
He said he will look into the points raised by the various stakeholders and review the draft code.
"I will also talk to political leaders and various parties in Parliament in this regard and finally report to UPA chairperson pertaining to the issue and reality," Dasmunsi told reporters.
Strongly opposing the Broadcast Bill containing the Content Code, the broadcasters during the meeting demanded there should be at least "one year moratorium" on the bill.
But Dasmunsi turned down the demand saying one year's time demanded by the broadcasters to shelve the bill was "too long."
However, the Minister said he "cannot assure any particular date and time" for laying the Bill in the House again.
"The bill is not ready as yet," P R Dasmunsi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, said adding, he will discuss it further with the various political parties. The session is due to end on September 14.
Softening his stand on the code after meeting the broadcasters, editors and cable operators last night, the Minister observed the stakeholders were "not in favour of any regulations as they have some apprehensions."
He said he will look into the points raised by the various stakeholders and review the draft code.
"I will also talk to political leaders and various parties in Parliament in this regard and finally report to UPA chairperson pertaining to the issue and reality," Dasmunsi told reporters.
Strongly opposing the Broadcast Bill containing the Content Code, the broadcasters during the meeting demanded there should be at least "one year moratorium" on the bill.
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But Dasmunsi turned down the demand saying one year's time demanded by the broadcasters to shelve the bill was "too long."
However, the Minister said he "cannot assure any particular date and time" for laying the Bill in the House again.
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