Govt to firm up policy on foreign dailies

Concerned over the International Herald Tribune (IHT) being brought out from India, the government is likely to "soon" firm up its approach on the issue of publication of foreign newspapers in the country and was examining several options to deal with the matter.

Caught off guard over the publication of IHT from Hyderabad late last month, the government has begun intensive consultations with ministries concerned, including law and finance, on how to tackle the problem and avoid its recurrence, according to a senior official of the information and broadcasting ministry.

"Many aspects are being studied at the moment and we are in the process of examining the whole issue. The process takes some time as ministries other than the I&B are also involved in the process of consultation," the official said.

Under the existing rules, foreign publications are not allowed to bring out Indian editions but foreign direct investment up to 26 per cent is allowed in Indian publications.

However, editor of the IHT in India MJ Akbar had struck a defiant posture, insisting that "we are publishing the paper as per law of the land. There is no foreign equity in the publication. It is not a joint venture and therefore, it does not come under the rules for foreign publication".

The official said the government was also looking at the "missing points" in the existing framework.

"After complete review, necessary additions will be made if found wanting," he said.