In a statement tabled by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore, the ministry said that on the basis of examination by Law ministry, the issues would be considered further and if required, the proposal would be submitted for approval of the Cabinet.
The report said the Law Ministry has been asked to submit a note to I&B ministry on the proposal that Representation of People Act be amended to make incidence of paid news a punishable electoral malpractice.
Besides, based on the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Information Technology on 'Press amd Registration of Books and Publications Bill', inclusion of provisions in the Bill to check the incidents of Paid News has been proposed, the statement said.
It added that the issue of formulating a comprehensive policy and institutional mechanism to address the phenomenon of paid news is under the consideration of the government.
If paid news is to be brought under the purview of the Cable TV Act, it would have to be amended, the report said, adding that the I&B ministry is presently in the process of amending the Press and Registration of Books Act making efforts to incorporate definition of paid news.