PCI seeks govt response on 'gag order' on officials

The Press Council of India (PCI) has sought a response from the Centre over the "gag order" issued by the Home Ministry restraining officers, apart from those designated, from interacting with the media.
Speaking at an interaction here, PCI Chief Chandramauli Kumar Prasad said they have taken cognisance of the development and sought a response from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
He was asked about the "gag orders" issued by some ministries like Home Affairs and Defence restricting the interactions between officials and mediapersons.
It was learnt that the PCI has written to the I&B Secretary seeking a response, which is awaited.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier barred journalists from meeting senior officials other than the spokesperson and came out with a set of guidelines on dissemination of information to the media.
Prasad, who was speaking at an interaction organised by the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), also said that PCI has been quick to take cognisance of cases of violence against journalists.
He said journalists faced risks especially those working in far flung areas. An attack on a journalist is an attack on the freedom of press, he said.
He dispelled the perception that the Press Council is to regulate the press and said it is to preserve the freedom of the press.